West Coast Fishermen Urged to Clear Gear as Cleanup Efforts Begin
Recreational and commercial blue crab enthusiasts along Florida’s west coast, specifically from Broward through Pasco counties, are advised to remove all blue crab traps from coastal waters before July 10.
A 10-day trap closure is scheduled to begin tomorrow, July 10, to allow the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and authorized groups to remove lost and abandoned traps from vital marine habitats.
From July 10 through July 19, no blue crab traps will be permitted in state waters, which extend from the shore out to 3 nautical miles, including all intracoastal waterways, within the designated Broward to Pasco county zone. Traps may be redeployed in these waters starting July 20. However, the FWC notes that the closure period could be shortened if cleanup efforts are completed sooner than anticipated…