FL Keys Results - Summer 2025! - VIMS/NOAA

Nicole Llinas, OA360 Supporter, with a just a few of 3,478 ghost traps recovered from the Lower FL Keys

The Ocean Aid 360 fleet removed 3,478 derelict traps constituting over 165,000 pounds of litter from the waters of the Lower Florida Keys over 3 weeks in May 2025! This effort was made possible by NOAA Marine Debris Program funding made available to OA360 through a sub-grant awarded to us by our partners at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science; and also through partial funding provided by our friends at Grassy Creek and Eleven Experience.

Local commercial captains hired by OA360, and committed data collectors from our partner organization, Reef Relief, powered through “feels like” temps of 106°F to make a HUGE impact on our Lower Florida Keys fisheries and habitat.

Not only did we clear marine debris, but we also catalogued and freed thousands of bycatch specimens (lobster, crabs, sharks, groupers, etc.), giving marine life a second chance — and helping local fishermen start the next season strong.

We thank our captains, partners, and sponsors who made this Ocean Aid 360-led project possible. Your support means the world to us!

Thanks also to @cayohuesobrewing for sponsoring the fantastic closing ceremony!

@vainstituteofmarinescience

@noaadebris

@myfwc

@reefrelief

@power.pole

@mercurymarine

@floridaprovisions

@templeforkoutfitters

@sebagokeywest

@cudjoesales

@papaspilar

@grundens

@bajiosunglasses

@acehighprinting

@powerdesign

@geigerkeymarina

@huk

@wholesalecastnets941

@tom_rowland

@cayohuesobrewing

Cudjoe Gardens Marina

@monroecountybocc

@wastemanagement

TowBoatUS

#MarineDebris #DerelictTrapRemoval #FloridaKeys #CommercialFishing #BycatchRelease #OceanCleanup #ConservationInAction #GhostTrapFreeSeas #SupportLocalFishermen #HolyTrap