The 2009 derelict crab trap removal program deviated from the 2004 through 2008 format, which were volunteer based and associated with crab trap closures for fishermen within a defined geographical area and closure period as determined by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. Crab traps remaining in the closure area during the closure period were considered abandoned and could be retrieved by anyone.

The program format was changed because of the low participation by volunteers in recent years, to reduce administrative costs, and to lessen the impact on commercial crab fishermen. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Marine Fisheries Division biologists based from the Houma Area Field Station conducted abandoned crab trap removal operations during February and March resulting in the removal and disposal of 788 derelict crab traps. Traps were removed in portions of Lake Mechant, Sister Lake, Lost Lake and Bayou Terrebonne located in Terrebonne Parish and Little Lake located west of Leeville in Lafourche Parish.