Crab trap roundup and waterway cleanup this Saturday | News

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- This Saturday, the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program and the Tower Club will host the 2012 Crab Trap Roundup and Waterway Cleanup.

The event will last from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an appreciation event at the Conch House Marina's floating dock from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The goal of the event is to clean and maintain the local waterways by collecting trash and derelict crab traps.

On Friday, August 24 there will be a captain's meeting beginning at 6 p.m. Participating vessels will be instructed as to how and why derelict crab traps should be removed. Cleanup materials will also be distributed.

If you are unable to attend the captain's meeting you may visit the Frank Butler, Lighthouse or Usina boat ramps the day of the cleanup to receive trash bags, tarps and gloves.

The cleanup will include the waters of the Tolomato, Matanzas, San Sebastian rivers, their tributaries and remainder of the Intracoastal Waterway within St. Johns County.

The cleanup is being conducted during a state-mandated closure of the blue crab fishery, which lasts from August 20-29, to prevent commercial crabbers from being negatively affected.

Local law enforcement will also be out to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Organizers said all members of the public are invited to participate.

The cleanup will be divided into three zones. The first zone is the south of the State Road 312 bridge with a collection point at the Frank Butler boat ramp. The second zone is a central zone between the State Road 312 bridge and the Vilano Bridge, with a collection point at the Lighthouse Boat Ramp. The third zone is a northern zone, which is north of the Vilano Bridge and that collection point will be at Usina Boat Ramp.

Volunteers will be at each boat ramp to help participants and to properly collect trash.

For more information, or if you would like to volunteer, sponsor or donate for the event, contact August Ellis, ex-officio and member of the Tower Club Executive Committee at 904-829-0745, extension 240.