Derelict Crab Traps
Derelict crab traps can have negative impacts in our coastal marine and estuarine habitats. Crab traps become derelict when they are displaced by extreme weather events, or when their marking buoys are lost due to boat strikes or equipment malfunction. Derelict traps are responsible for “ghost-fishing” when they continue to catch a variety of organisms, including various crab species, red drum, spotted seatrout and diamondback terrapin, long after the gear has been lost.
In some cases, derelict crab traps can be repurposed by SCDNR to support oyster restoration. When used for restoration, repurposed derelict traps have their funnels closed to prevent ghost-fishing, are coated in cement to encourage oyster recruitment, and are secured in the intertidal zone where they provide an excellent surface for oyster attachment and growth. Oysters provide a wide range of ecosystem services by improving water quality, providing habitat for a diverse range of finfish and invertebrates, and protecting shorelines from erosion.
With support from NOAA, SCDNR is working to map and remove derelict crab traps from South Carolina estuaries. SCDNR has developed a public survey, linked on this page, for reporting the location of derelict crab traps. This survey is intended to gather detailed information on the distribution and abundance of derelict traps, in part to direct future crab trap recovery and repurpose efforts.
Please report derelict crab traps using the linked survey. Derelict traps can be identified if they are exposed at low tide in the intertidal zone and lack an identifying marking buoy. For best results on the water, turn on location services on your phone or mobile device and include a photo of the trap. Please do not attempt to remove derelict crab traps yourself – tampering with commercial fishing gear is against the law. SCDNR staff will evaluate reports and recover reported gear as feasible.
Installation of a repurposed derelict crab trap reef by SCDNR staff in the Ashepoo River in 2017 (left) and a view of the same location in 2022, showing the developed oyster reef (right).
Thank you for your cooperation! If you have any questions or concerns about derelict crab traps, please contact: crabtraps@dnr.sc.gov