Lobster buoys and traps are a common sight along New Hampshire’s rocky coastline, but did you know it’s illegal for the public to touch them? They’re a form of marine debris that wash in after strong coastal storms, and once each year the fishing industry gathers for a state-wide beach cleanup to remove them.

In this episode of Time and Tide, we’re exploring the issue of derelict fishing gear on New Hampshire’s coastline. Also referred to as lost or abandoned fishing gear, these buoys, traps, and ropes can become navigational hazards in the ocean and pose risks to wildlife. Join us as we learn why no fisherman wants to lose a lobster trap at sea, what steps this industry is taking to be stewards of granite state waters, and why everyone should participate in a local beach cleanup.

In Act 1, join us at the harbor with Damon Frampton, a local lobster fisherman and participant in this year’s annual lobster trap cleanup, who describes why it’s important to him as a fisher to help clean the beach.

In Act 2, our very own Gabby Bradt helps us to take a step back and understand the broader issue of marine debris on New Hampshire’s coastline, and how lost or abandoned fishing gear fits into this puzzle.

In our final Act, Renee Zobel from NH Fish and Game explains why it’s illegal for any member of the public to touch a lobster trap. And how fishermen are working to address some of the challenges we saw during this coastal cleanup.

Full episode transcript is available below.

Guest Speakers:

Damon Frampton, Commercial Lobster Fisherman and President of the New Hampshire Commercial Fisherman’s Association

Gabriela Bradt, Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant and UNH Extension

Renee Zobel, Chief of Marine Fisheries, New Hampshire Fish and Game

Hosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant

Co-Hosted by: Erik Chapman, Executive Director, New Hampshire Sea Grant

Produced by: Brian Yurasits

Further reading:

New Hampshire Lobster Trap Cleanup: https://nhfishgame.com/2026/03/23/nh-coastal-lobster-trap-cleanup-scheduled-for-saturday-april-18/

Blue Ocean Society 2025 Beach Cleanup Data: https://www.blueoceansociety.org/cleanup-data/

Blue Ocean Society Beach Cleanup Calendar: https://www.blueoceansociety.org/calendar/

Surfrider Foundation New Hampshire Chapter: https://nh.surfrider.org/

New Hampshire Fish and Game Marine Laws and Rules: https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/saltwater-fisheries-new-hampshire/marine-laws-and-rules

Contact New Hampshire Fish and Game: https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/contact-new-hampshire-fish-and-game

Derelict Fishing Gear – NOAA's Marine Debris Program: https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/what-marine-debris/derelict-fishing-gear

New Hampshire Sea Grant works to enhance our relationship with the coastal environment to sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities through integrated research, extension, education, and communications efforts. Based at the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a state-federal partnership serving America’s coasts. Learn more by visiting: seagrant.unh.edu

University of New Hampshire is an equal opportunity employer, learn more: https://extension.unh.edu/civil-rights-statement