Lobster Trap Cleanup at Leadbetter Beach

For the past three 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 area beaches. The organization recently identified an onshore lobster trap debris hotspot between Leadbetter and Hendry’s Beach.

On April 22nd, from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm, the public is invited to help dig out buried lobster traps and place them at collection points 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.

Volunteers will gather at 8:30 am at the La Plata Steps near Leadbetter Beach and will walk about 2.5 miles down the beach towards Hendry’s Beach 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. Fisherman Chris Voss from the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara and his team will provide vessel support to load traps and transport them to Santa Barbara Harbor.

DATE: April 22nd

TIME: 8:30 am to 12:00 pm

LOCATION: Leadbetter Beach
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