Help Remove Beached Lobster Traps

For the past four years, after the conclusion of the lobster fishing season, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper has surveyed local beaches and partnered with the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara to remove derelict traps from targeted shorelines. The organization recently identified an onshore lobster trap debris hotspot between Mesa Lane and Shoreline Park. 

On April 19th, from 8:45 am to 1:00 pm, the public is invited to help dig out buried lobster traps and place them at collection points along the beach where they will be loaded onto a commercial fishing vessel and transported to the Santa Barbara Harbor for reuse or proper disposal.   

In addition to cluttering up our beaches, derelict lobster traps can entangle marine wildlife, release microplastics, and create safety hazards for vessels and beachgoers. The Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara have been actively working to remove traps throughout the season. Our cleanup effort on April 19th will provide additional support. We hope you’ll join us and help get these traps off the beach! 

Volunteers will gather at the Mesa Lane Steps and will walk down the beach towards Shoreline Park to remove traps. Protective clothing and closed-toe shoes are required as traps can have sharp edges. 

Volunteers will use shovels, bolt cutters, and pry bars to dig out buried traps, remove rocks and debris, and stage traps in piles for removal offshore to a commercial fishing boat. Fishermen from Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara will provide vessel support to load traps and transport them to the Santa Barbara Harbor.  

This is the fifth year of shoreline cleanup collaborations with the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara. We’re excited to work together on this community event and we hope you’ll join us. 

Sign up at the link below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944AEAB2FA5FFC07-55727307-lobster