Lobster Trap Design

Data:2013/7/11 20:41:05

Lobster Trap Design

Whether the lobster trap is traditional wood or modern wire, the design is basically the same with possible variations in the number of chambers and doors. Lobster traps usually have two main inner compartments, accessed through doors. The door to the lobster trap is specifically designed to be a one-way entrance. Round in shape on the exterior wall of the trap, the door enters a funnel, called a head, made of webbing that narrows towards the interior. Attracted by the smell of bait inside the trap, the lobster cautiously enters the door and travels through the funnel. The first "room" the lobster enters is the "kitchen" where lobster-enticing bait is hung. Bait may be fresh or salted fish on a line or tied in a hanging bag. After the lobster enters the kitchen, it grabs a piece of bait with its claw and begins maneuvering towards an exit. It is difficult to go out the way it entered due to the design of the funnel. As the lobster continues seeking an exit, it passes through another funnel leading to the "parlor" or "bedroom" in the rear of the trap. Here, the larger lobsters become trapped. Some lobster traps have more than one kitchen and parlor. All have a large latched door at the top of the trap so the lobstermen can access the interior to bait the kitchen and remove the lobsters. The lobster traps are carried out to sea on lobster fishing boats, lowered to the seafloor by ropes attached to floating buoys that mark the position of the traps for later retrieval.

Specifically designed to allow the release of undersized lobsters, the parlor has at least one small exit hole. Required by lobster fishing regulations, the small exit hole allows young lobsters to leave the trap, mature and mate, thus ensuring the continuation of lobster fishing. Another safety feature incorporated into the traps is the "ghost panel." This is a biodegradable section that will deteriorate over time, allowing lobsters caught in lost traps a means of escape. Long before sustainability became a fashionable trend, lobster traps were designed to promote the sustainable harvesting of this gourmet seafood treat.