The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is cracking down on derelict freshwater trotlines, traps and bush hooks. Under a new rule, freshwater fishing and trapping devices (where fishermen aren’t present) must have the owner’s name and address tagged.

The list includes commercial and recreational trotlines, bush hooks, set lines, wire traps, slat baskets, hoop nets, minnow lift nets, eel traps/pots, Carolina pots and shotgun pots. Rods and reels are not included.

Public protest elicited the response for tighter management of the passive gear to reduce the loss of fish and wildlife caught by abandoned gear, and to reduce navigation hazards for vessels.

Current drought conditions across Florida have revealed past hidden traps and gear, say FWC officials. This new rule will give FWC officers the ability to identify and remove lost and abandoned gear.

Saltwater fishing is subject to other rules, though crab traps must have the harvester’s name and address permanently affixed to it.