LyondellBasell joins Matagorda Bay Foundation in abandoned crab trap event

   LyondellBasell volunteers participated with trap removals recently. 
  “LyondellBasell is proud to stand alongside the Matagorda Bay Foundation in protecting and preserving one of our region’s most valuable natural resources,” said Michael A. Middleton, Site Manager, LyondellBasell Matagorda Site.
  “Our participation in the abandoned crab trap removal effort reflects our commitment to Advancing Good - Our Planet, a core pillar of our global citizenship program. 
  “By supporting sustainable solutions and volunteering our time, we are helping safeguard coastal ecosystems and ensuring that the beauty and health of Matagorda Bay endure for generations to come.”
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  “Matagorda Bay Foundation is excited to be a part of and help with the annual abandoned crab trap removal program,” said Matagorda Bay Foundation Biologist Alyssa Dibbern. 
  “Every year in the last week of February, Texas Parks and Wildlife closes the bay to crabbing with traps allowing volunteers to remove lost or abandon traps,” Dibbern said. 
  “During the closure, the traps are classified as litter. This is a great event, allowing communities and volunteers to take part in cleaning our bay systems,” she explained. 
  “This year, Matagorda Bay Foundation is partnering with LyondellBasell to go out and look for abandon traps. 
  “Using our boat, we will access the Matagorda bay area in hopes to remove any derelict cages.
 

 From Texas Parks & Wildlife Department  Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program 

What is the Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program?
  The Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program (ACTRP) was created by Senate Bill 1410 during the 77th (2001) Legislative session. 
  This bill granted the TPWD Commission authority to create a ten-day crab trap closure that begins the third Friday of each February.  
  Crab traps left in the water during this time are considered litter and may be disposed of appropriately.  
  Before this law, only law enforcement officials could legally remove abandoned crab traps from Texas’ marine waters. Since 2002, volunteers have removed over 40,000 abandoned traps from Texas waters.    
  Why remove abandoned crab traps?
  Abandoned, lost or derelict crab traps have been identified as a significant source of mortality for a variety of organisms, many of which are recreationally or commercially important. 
  They also create user conflicts, visual pollution and possibly have negative effects on sensitive habitats like seagrass. 
  Not to mention the costly repairs or loss of valuable fishing time experienced by boaters and fishermen whose motors have come in contact with these lost traps.
  When can crab trap removal occur?
  Laws allow you to remove crab traps for ten-day period starting on the third Friday in February. The closure was from Feb. 20 through March 1, with our volunteer event taking place on Feb. 21.