APRIL 28, 2017--On Earth Day, April 22, Marine Debris Program (MDP) Northeast Regional Coordinator Keith Cialino attended Stockton University’s crab pot processing day at their marine field station in Port Republic, NJ.

Despite a rainy weather, thirty-five local community members, including commercial crabbers, Stockton University students, and volunteers from the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, worked together to weigh, photograph, and collect condition data on almost 600 derelict crab traps that had been removed from southern NJ coastal bays. While many of the traps were recycled, about 50-55 were in good condition and able to be returned to local commercial crabbers. Additionally, ~$1000 worth of rebar and re-useable plastic devices, such as bycatch panels and bait pen covers, were salvaged from the recycled traps. Volunteers were wet from the rain and dirty from handling the crab traps, but spirits remained high throughout the day, especially when they were treated to a lunch of steamed crabs, grilled oysters, and hamburgers. The students, part of a Fisheries Science and Management course at Stockton University, appreciated learning from Keith about other MDP projects and gained insight on pursuing a career geared towards science and policy.

This volunteer event and the efforts to remove the derelict gear are part of a FY15 Community-based Marine Debris Removal Grant through the MDP.

For additional information, contact: Keith.Cialino@noaa.gov.

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