About

Space Coast Water Sweep is a Florida-based nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting coastal waterways and marine wildlife by helping identify and address abandoned crab traps, marine debris, and other hazards that threaten marine ecosystems.

Across Florida and many coastal regions, thousands of crab traps and fishing gear are lost each year due to storms, vessel traffic, and equipment failure. These lost traps can continue capturing fish, crabs, and other marine life long after they are abandoned, a problem commonly known as “ghost fishing.” Derelict traps may also damage seagrass beds, interfere with navigation, and contribute to marine debris pollution.

Space Coast Water Sweep works with volunteers, anglers, conservation groups, and local partners to help locate these traps and document potential hazards. The organization focuses on improving the ability to identify problem areas, collect information, and support authorized recovery operations conducted by approved removal teams.

To support these efforts, Space Coast Water Sweep developed a reporting platform that allows anglers and boaters to photograph suspected abandoned traps, automatically record GPS coordinates, and submit reports for review. These reports help recovery teams identify priority locations and better coordinate trap removal efforts during authorized recovery events.

The platform is designed to empower the fishing and boating community to participate in protecting the waterways they use every day. By providing a simple reporting tool, the organization aims to improve data collection, reduce ghost fishing impacts, and increase awareness about the environmental consequences of abandoned fishing gear.

Space Coast Water Sweep also tracks recovery data including trap removals, wildlife releases, and marine debris recovered from the water. This information helps demonstrate the environmental impact of cleanup efforts and supports future conservation initiatives.

The organization operates in alignment with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations and focuses only on suspected abandoned or derelict fishing gear. Space Coast Water Sweep does not interfere with active commercial crab traps or legally deployed fishing equipment. Community reports are used to help identify areas where abandoned gear may be impacting marine life, particularly in shallow waters and mangrove shorelines where ghost traps can continue trapping wildlife.

In addition to field work, the organization promotes education and community engagement by encouraging anglers, boaters, and waterfront communities to become active participants in protecting marine ecosystems. By combining community involvement with technology and data collection, Space Coast Water Sweep aims to strengthen conservation efforts and improve coordination between volunteers, nonprofits, and wildlife agencies.

The organization continues to expand its reporting platform and volunteer network with the long-term goal of helping coastal communities better identify and address derelict fishing gear and marine debris. Through collaboration and innovation, Space Coast Water Sweep seeks to create practical tools that help protect marine wildlife, improve waterway safety, and support sustainable fisheries.

More information about the organization and its reporting platform can be found at:
https://www.spacecoastwatersweep.com