Abandoned Crab Pot Removal is only performed during the off-season winter months when crabbing is not permitted in New Jersey. BDT’s objective is to retrieve lost or discarded crab traps, so that they do not perform ghost fishing (continue to trap crabs and other species), nor harm seagrass habitats, nor create navigation hazards. BDT removal strategy always includes:
- Identify locations of lost pots using sonar
- Retrieve pots using a type of rope drag & hook pull up method
- Recycle or dispose of retrieved gear appropriately
