Recreational and commercial blue crab traps in Northwest Florida must be removed from the water by January 5th, 2025, as a 10-day trap closure goes into effect.
The closure, which affects all waters from Franklin County to the Florida/Alabama state line, allows authorized groups to identify and retrieve lost and abandoned blue crab traps. These derelict traps can pose navigational hazards, damage sensitive habitats, and continue to trap crabs and other marine life.
READ: Spotted Seatrout Season Reopens In Central East Florida
While the closure is in effect, blue crabs can still be harvested using other gear, such as dip nets and fold-up traps. Standard blue crab traps can also be used if they are attached to private property, like a dock.
The trap closure is scheduled to last for 10 days, with traps allowed back in the water on January 15th. However, the FWC may shorten the closure period if the retrieval of lost and abandoned traps is completed sooner than anticipated.
This closure is one of six regional 10-day closures implemented by the FWC throughout the year to address the issue of derelict traps. Three closures occur in odd-numbered years on the west coast of Florida, and three occur in even-numbered years on the east coast.
READ: Spring Hill Woman Arrested After Stabbing Boyfriend’s Dog That Was “Bothering” Her
The FWC encourages all crabbers to participate in responsible fishing practices by retrieving their traps promptly and reporting any lost or abandoned traps they encounter.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.