Event Calendar

About the Program

The Derelict Trap Reward Program is led by Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United (MSCFU), and funded by the NOAA Marine Debris Program to encourage proper disposal year-round of derelict crab traps. Registered Mississippi shrimpers that participate in the program can dispose of derelict traps that they encounter during regular fishing efforts in exchange for a monetary reward. The goal of this program is to create a healthier, safer, and more profitable Mississippi Sound.

In addition to the Derelict Trap Reward Program, we have expanded our cleanup efforts. This portion of the program is open to federally registered shrimpers. Those who register for the Marine Debris Removal Program are incentivized to remove other types of debris including items like tires, single use plastics, other types of derelict fishing gear, etc.

How to Register

  • Must have a valid license to shrimp in Mississippi.
  • Must submit the contract to Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United.
  • Option to set up direct deposit for rewarded payments.

Submit Completed Forms:

E-mail to Ryan Bradley: mscfuwebs@gmail.com

-OR-

Mail to MSCFU office:

Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United, Inc.

6421 Beatline Road

Long Beach, MS 39560

Download contract here
Direct Deposit Form

How to Participate

  • Must be registered to receive reward for properly disposing of derelict crab traps.
  • Shrimpers receive a set of metal dog tags with a participant ID and several data cards.
  • Each time a derelict crab trap is caught, attach a tag to each trap and turn it in at a designated disposal site.
  • Submit a corresponding data card indicating the number of traps you disposed of and where you encountered them.
  • Rewards are either direct deposited or mailed at the end of each month for the total number of derelict crab traps properly disposed of.

Disposal sites

  • Bayou Caddy Marina- Bay St. Louis
  • Pass Christian Harbor- Pass Christian
  • Back Bay Fuel & Ice- Biloxi
  • Biloxi Small Craft Harbor- Biloxi (pending approval)
  • Ocean Springs Harbor- Ocean Springs

impact so far

About 60 shrimpers have participated in the program since 2019, and almost 4,000 derelict crab traps have been removed from the Mississippi Sound and surrounding waters. The program is set to continue for at least 2 more years.

Number of Derelict Crab Traps Removed:

  • 2019: 1,289
  • 2020: 1,043
  • 2021: 569
  • 2022: 316
  • 2023: 680
  • 2024 to date: 254

Get in Touch

Alyssa Rodolfich, Extension Associate/ PhD Student

alyssa.rodolfich@msstate.edu

228-388-4710

Partner:

Contact Us
(228) 388-4710
1815 Popps Ferry Rd.
Biloxi, MS 39532

Fax: (228) 388 – 1375

Mailstop: 9385

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs, or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762.

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About MSEP

Our mission is to facilitate community-driven conservation, restoration, and stewardship of Mississippi Sound.

About Coastal Conservation and RESTORATION program

Our focus areas are broad and adapt to the current needs of stakeholders, but generally involve coastal conservation and restoration projects at local, state, regional, national, and international scales.