A massive cleanup of derelict fishing gear in U.S. coastal waters is set to begin now that William & Mary’s Batten School and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science has awarded $1.4 million to fund 11 projects under the National Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program.
From diving in waters up to 130 feet deep to retrieve lobster and crab traps in protected ecosystems to the removal of debris in tribal fishing grounds, this initial round of projects facilitates removal efforts in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Main, Maryland, New York, Washington and the Freely Associated State of Palau. This is in addition to supporting ongoing efforts through the Virginia Marine Debris Program.
The funding for the removal project stems from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Following a rigorous review and selection process, the Batten School and VIMS received an $...