A Victory for Crab Conservation

At the recent Field & Stream first annual Heroes of Conservation Awards Gala, long-time Texas coastal conservationist Ronnie Luster was named the 2006 Hero of Conservation.  Luster’s work in establishing Texas’ abandoned crab trap clean-up project was selected from hundreds of other conservation-project profiles from across the United States. 

 “It is a true honor to receive this award,” said Luster.  “But, I am not the hero of this project. The real hero is the Coastal Conservation Association that supported the project and had the infrastructure to alert a large membership about the death of marine life and destruction of habitat created by abandoned and illegal crab traps. The thing to remember is that this project is a lot bigger than just one person, and it continues to grow across the whole Gulf.”

   The Heroes of Conservation Award was created to recognize sportsmen dedicated to the protection of fish and wildlife habitat. Nominations were collected from all reaches of the country and were reviewed by a panel of Field & Stream editors and conservation leaders. Luster’s victory was announced at an awards ceremony in New York City that also acclaimed the work of five other finalists. All finalists are featured in the October issue.

 “Ronnie’s efforts did more than remove thousands of destructive abandoned crab traps,” said CCA President David Cummins. “His drive and determination have created a real legacy in conservation that will carry on for years.”

 The Texas abandoned crab trap clean up project started in the back lakes of Port O’ Connor and rapidly spread across the Texas coast and eventually to other Gulf States.  With more than 1,000 volunteers in the project and more than 20,000 abandoned and illegal traps removed from coastal bays and estuaries, Luster’s unique vision and tenacious belief in making a difference set his project apart.

 “Ronnie has shown us all what can be accomplished in the name of conservation when you have a big vision and a determined spirit,” said CCA Vice President Pat Murray. “He motivated a lot of people to make a real difference in the coastal environment and we are all benefiting for his work. Ronnie Luster is a true conservationist.”

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