In 2017 San Antonio Bay Partnership (SABP) began participating Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program to help clean the bays of abandoned crab traps. Now, each February during the crabbing closure period, SABP organizes the volunteer efforts in and around Espiritu Santo and San Antonio Bays. We also work with partnering organizations to clean up surrounding bay systems including:
With the help of donating organizations and grants, SABP provides supplies, training and an after party. On the first Friday of the closure period, weather permitting, a reconnaissance plane flies the bays a volunteer over the bays who marks the location of abandoned crab traps in a phone app. Our boat volunteers are assigned to cover specific areas and use the phone app to see the location of traps marked by aerial recon and to document all traps they remove. Trap owner information and entrapped critters are recorded. Analysis of this data has helped to inform us about the reasons for trap dereliction and potential solutions.
2025 Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program
February 21 – March 2, 2025
REGISTER HERE
Events will be organized during the entire closure period with the main event and Celebratory Party on Saturday, February 22. Indicate your availability on the registration form.
2025 SABP Crab Trap Plan & Procedures
* Participants, please download the Field Maps app and check out the instructions and videos below.
Registrants will be sent the Zoom link for Field Maps training sessions, Monday, February 10, 7:00 pm and Wednesday, February 19, 7:00 pm
How To’s & Training
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- Field Maps app – Written Instructions
- Field Maps app – Instructional Video (8mins)
- Why Collect Data Video (13 mins)
- Tips & Tricks of Abandoned Crab Trap Removal
We are happy to help with questions! SanAntonioBayPartnership@gmail.com or call Brigid. 
Other Links of Interest
NOAA Marine Debris Program, Project 2118