This financial assistance award will provide direct assistance to the cornell cooperative extension of suffolk county to remove over 9,000 derelict lobster traps, or over 480,000 pounds, from long…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Suffolk County a $2.4 million cooperative agreement under the Marine Debris Program (CFDA 11.999) to remove over 9,000 derelict lobster traps totaling approximately 480,000 pounds from Long Island Sound. The award, effective December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2029, addresses the environmental and economic impacts of abandoned fishing gear that continues to trap marine species and damage active fishing infrastructure—a phenomenon known as ghost fishing. Project partners will employ grappling systems for trap removal in collaboration with current and former fishing industry members while implementing an outreach program focused on marine debris and derelict gear prevention.

The cooperative agreement will deliver tangible benefits to the region's marine ecosystem and fishing economy by reclaiming productive fishing grounds for both recreational and commercial operations. The project is expected to reduce ghost fishing impacts, restore habitat quality, and supplement the incomes of at least 12 fishers. By combining removal operations with prevention education and stakeholder engagement, the award advances NOAA's Marine Debris Program mission to identify, assess, reduce, and prevent marine debris impacts on coastal environments and marine resources.

This financial assistance award will provide direct assistance to the cornell cooperative extension of suffolk county to remove over 9,000 derelict lobster traps, or over 480,000 pounds, from long island sound. Due to a significant decline in lobster catch and the absence of an organized disposal and storage program, many lobster traps have been abandoned in the long island sound. This poses immediate threats to the fishery due to ghost fishing or the ability of fishing gear to continue fishing after the fisherman loses control of that gear. Derelict and abandoned fishing gear damages active fishing gear and sensitive habitats, and IT continually captures important species, leading to reduced populations and impacts to the fishing industry. Project partners will use a grappling system for removals of derelict traps in partnership with current or former fishing industry members. Additionally, the recipient will implement an outreach program focused on marine debris and derelict gear prevention. This project will help to reduce ghost fishing and reclaim substantial and important fishing grounds for recreational and commercial fishing activity in the long island sound, resulting in economic benefits to these industries. Additionally, this project will supplement the incomes of at least 12 fishers.