Volunteers collect over 2 tons of marine debris in Ghost Trap Rodeo

From Tampa Bay Watch:

A huge thanks to everyone who participated in the Ghost Trap Rodeo in partnership with Ocean Aid 360, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Coastal Conservation Association, and Coastal Impact Fund! A grand total of 102 volunteers braved the chilly weather on Saturday to collect 4,480 pounds of marine debris including 27 derelict crab traps at Fort De Soto Park and Belleair Boat Ramp. Read more about this important program.

“This event is great because it gets community volunteers involved in helping to preserve and protect the bay by removing debris and keeping marine life from needlessly getting caught and killed in abandoned traps,” said Serra Herndon, Habitat Restoration Director for Tampa Bay Watch.

The Ghost Trap Rodeo would not be possible without the help from project partners including NOAA Marine Debris, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Sea World Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, Pinellas County & the City of Largo.