More about the fishing methods

Data:2014/8/12 3:02:35

Today most lobster traps - also known locally as “pots” - used in Maine’s fishery are constructed of plastic coated wire. They usually have two funnelled openings called “heads”, through which lobsters enter the first compartment commonly called the “kitchen” to feed on the bait – usually herring. After feeding, lobsters may venture through the inner funnel or parlour head into the compartment called the “parlour”. The traps are required to have unobstructed vents or gaps in the parlour section to allow undersize lobsters to escape. These may be rectangular or circular. The trap must also be equipped with a biodegradable panel – or “ghost panel”- which is designed to release lobsters from traps which are lost while fishing. Often times, the ghost panel and escape vent are combined into one unit by using ferrous metal rings to hold the plastic escape vent in place. The design of the trap is specified in regulation. Trap limits are in place within the fishery with a maximum of 800 traps being applied