OceansWide of Newcastle, has been selected to be one of eleven organizations to participate in a massive cleanup of derelict fishing gear as part of the National Fishing Trap Removal Assessment and Prevention (TRAP) Program.  This initial round of funding totals more than $1.4 milion supports projects in nine US states and Palalu.  OceansWide will focus on the removal of fishing gear in Vinalhaven Island – one of the most active and productive American lobster fishing areas in Maine.  The non-profit was awarded $199,364 to remove abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear in the area.

From diving in waters up to 130 feet deep to retrieve lobster and crab trees in protected ecosystems to the removal of debris on tribal fishing grounds this initial round of project facilitates removal efforts in Califonra, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Maine Maryland, New York, Washington and the Freely Associated State of Palau, in addition to supporting ongoing efforts through the Va. Marine Debris Program through the Bipartisan Infrasructure Law

The program is administered by the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences at the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, with funds steming from an initial $8 million grant from the NOAA Marine Debris Program through the Bipartisn Infrastructre Law.

Coastal waters in the US and around the world are littered with fishing equipment that has been lost, abandoned or otherwise discarded.  It can harm ecosystems and economies by trapping and killing animals, damaging marine habits and competing with actively fished gear.

Funding receipients will begin their cleanup efforts in January of 2025 and will be required to submit standardized data on their progresa.  The data will be analyzed and the information will help inform state and federal policy recommendtions to improve trap prevention and mitigation.  In the spring of 2025, the Battan School will solicit proposals for funding for 2026.