The bounty of derelict crab traps removed by volunteers from the Aransas Bay Chapter.
By Shane Bonnot, Advocacy Director
The first quarter has been a busy one as usual. At the time of this writing, CCA Texas has held nine local chapter events. Attendance and support have both been strong and are signaling another successful year on the fundraising standpoint. We encourage our local chapter membership to be involved with the local chapters, whether it is in the banquet planning process, attending our Anglers’ Night Out events, or taking part in local community conservation projects.
CCA Texas members and recreational anglers all along what Texas coast participated in the Annual Crab Trap Cleanup held on February 18, 2023. The Galveston, San Antonio, Copano and Aransas Bay systems continued to be prime target areas for derelict traps. While there are traps every year, the numbers continue to dwindle down for the annual event. Outreach to the industry with shared data collected from the events has helped educate and encouraged the industry to be good stewards of the resource, and continue working towards a minimal derelict trap issue. Many thanks to all our CCA Texas members and those of other organizations that continue to participate in this effort annually.
Volunteers from CCA Texas Aransas Bay Chapter and others worked a section of the beach during the Billy Sandifer Beach Cleanup. Over 2,500 volunteers cleaned 32 miles of beach and filled 7 roll off dumpsters with debris removed from the beach.
The 28th Annual Billy Sandifer Big Shell Beach Cleanup was held on February 25, 2023. A large turnout of volunteers from across the state turned out for the annual event. The 2023 event was a resounding success as an amazing 2,500 people showed up and cleaned the beach. It was a beautiful day, and 32 miles of beach were cleaned, filling 7 dumpsters full of trash. Thanks to all that showed up for this event, and a special thanks to all of the support sponsors that help make this event happen.
CCA Texas and other like organizations offer many opportunities to be involved in the conservation of our Texas coastal resources. We all encourage you to take the time and be part of the effort to conserve these resources for present and future generations. For more information about CCA Texas, be sure to LIKE us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Instagram and Twitter.
