Characterization of removed derelict crab traps in coastal Louisiana

Derelict fishing gear is a global issue with substantial ecological and economic impacts. In Louisiana, crab trap cleanups have been conducted annually since the early 2000s, with systematic data collection beginning in the 2010s. Using data collected from 2017 to 2021, we quantified derelict trap condition, gear characteristics relative to current regulations, blue crab catch, and bycatch species composition from 19,795 traps. Although traps were recovered coastwide, the majority (85.9%) were collected in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin where cleanup efforts were concentrated. Our data captured a regulatory change implemented in November 2017, demonstrating a gradual increase over time in the proportion of traps meeting the new escape ring requirements. Biologically, blue crabs dominated trap catch, comprising 88.1% of all organisms (1.1 ± 1.9 crabs per trap), with males representing 69.8% of individuals. Only 10.8% of traps contained bycatch, representing 41 different taxa. Of the bycatch individuals, 90.7% were recorded alive, and sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) comprised 51% of the total bycatch. These findings highlight the value of cleanup programs paired with standardized data collection. Such efforts provide critical information on gear distribution, condition, and ecological impacts, ultimately supporting targeted management and the removal of marine debris from coastal Louisiana.