Southeast Florida Region

Our Mission

Our mission is to locate, report, and support the safe recovery of abandoned and derelict fishing traps while promoting responsible stewardship of Florida's waters through education, innovation, and community engagement.

Why This Matters

Lost and abandoned fishing traps—often called ghost traps—continue to capture fish, crabs, turtles, and other marine life long after they are lost. These traps create ongoing harm to wildlife and fragile ecosystems in our region's waterways.

What We Do

• •Organize community trap survey and recovery events
• •Coordinate volunteer-based trap identification
• •Promote safe reporting practices
• •Educate the public about ghost fishing impacts
• •Support innovative solutions to reduce trap loss