Each year, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department closes the coast to crab fishing for 10 days to support the Annual Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program, a coast-wide effort that reduces threats to marine life, improves navigation safety, and supports healthier bays.
During the 2025 Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program, volunteers across the Texas Mid-Coast removed more than 1,000 abandoned crab traps from coastal waters.
This year, Galveston Bay Foundation is inviting boaters to help continue that work in Galveston Bay.
Two ways to participate:
Join GBF staff on Saturday, February 21
Meet us at the Anahuac Boat Ramp from 8:30–11:30 AM to help locate and remove abandoned crab traps. Shallow-draft boats such as skiffs or airboats are ideal.
Remove traps on your own during the 10-day closure
Boaters may remove abandoned crab traps anytime during the official 10-day closure period and still contribute to this important effort.
Sign up to participate and get all the details here:
https://forms.office.com/r/DLhisFmQjg
Breakfast will be provided for volunteers participating on Saturday.
Good news for the Bay: due to the success of past removal efforts, land-based volunteers are not needed this year, reflecting real progress for our coastal waters.
For questions, contact volunteer@galvbay.org.
