lobster traps

Lobster traps (pots) are used for catching American lobster, spiny lobster, and other species. Designs vary, although nearly all traps share a set of common components.

Lobster traps are deployed as single units or connected together to form trawls. The number of traps connected to a trawl varies among fisheries.

wooden lobster traps
Wooden Lobster Traps – New Brunswick Canada (credit NOAA)

Canada

In Canada, regulations require traps to include biodegradable escape panels and devices that allow undersized lobsters to escape.

USA

NOAA Fisheries defines the term lobster trap as “any structure or other device, other than a net, that is placed, or designed to be placed, on the ocean bottom and is designed for or is capable of, catching lobsters . . .”

Lobster trap vessels fishing in Federal waters are subject to regulations regarding gear marking, tagging, deployment, and other requirements.

inshore lobster pots buoys
Inshore Lobster Pots – Buoys

 

Related Information

American Lobsters

Commercial Fishing Gear