The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced a mandatory removal of all recreational and commercial blue crab traps from the St. Johns River system before January 16. This directive precedes a 10-day trap closure aimed at facilitating the retrieval of lost and abandoned traps.
The specified area for trap removal encompasses the entirety of the St. Johns River system, including its connected lakes and tributaries. The region extends from west of the St. Johns River’s junction with the Intracoastal Canal to Lake Hellen Blazes in Brevard County.
This initiative, undertaken by groups authorized by the FWC, is essential for maintaining the health and safety of the aquatic ecosystem. Lost and abandoned traps pose significant risks, including ongoing trapping of marine life, habitat damage, and navigational hazards for boaters.
Although the traps must be removed by January 16, they may be redeployed starting January 26. However, this reopening date might be adjusted based on the progress of trap removal.
During the closure, alternative methods for blue crab harvesting, such as dip nets and fold-up traps, are permissible. Standard traps may also be used if they are affixed to private properties, such as docks.
This closure is part of a broader conservation strategy, with three scheduled 10-day closures on the Atlantic coast of Florida in 2024, alternating annually between the state’s east and west coasts.
For further details on the trap-retrieval program, closure dates, regulations, and cleanup events, interested parties can visit MyFWC.com/Marine and navigate to “Traps and Debris,” or contact the FWC at 850-487-0554.