lobster traps close to shore

[*LB]

There are a couple spots I fish that have lobster traps within 30-40 yards of the rocks. They're a magnet for plugs and hooked fish, and they really cut off some good water from surfcasting. I don't think these traps are being checked regularly and they may have been pushed in from storms and abandoned. Has anyone had any experience in clearing up this type of mess. I sent an e-mail to the RI DEM but I haven't heard back yet. If I had a boat I'd drag them out myself, but that's not an option and I don't have tackle heavy enough to reel them in.