Lobster Pots

Lobster traps are also known as lobsterpots, and the deployment of lobster pots has always been the time-honored way for the lobstermen. Harvesters must build lobsterpots according to certain rules and regulations that have been created to protect lobster population. Traps or pots can be circular, rectangular or even other shapes. The frames are made with with a very rigid, strong wire mesh (traditional traps are made with wood in a curvature shape). The traps also consist of a baited area following funnels shaped from twine and with openings allowing the lobsters to enter. Escape areas or vents are also placed for the process of filtering out miniature adults and early stage lobsters.

Lobster harvesters operate in the traditional ways of lobstering passed down from generations on. Asides from the implementation of growing technologies, the methods of harvesting have hardly changed.

Lobsters are generally drawn towards rocky and murky surfaces of the ocean floor and these are usually the ideal placement of the lobsterpots. Traps are placed along the ocean floors at different depths during the seasons. During the Summer and Fall the traps are set at depths anywhere from 3 fathoms to 40 fathoms (a fathom is equal to 6 feet). During the Winter and Spring the traps are set in deeper, warmer waters for fishing at depths of 50 fathoms or more. Lobstermen may set and check more then 250 to 300 traps per day, and may score as many as 30 or more lobsters each. The number of lobster caught depends on many factors including the size of the lobster, design of the trap, location of the lobsterpots, but for the most part on weather conditions. The method used for tracking and separating these lobsterpots is to use marked buoys. The lobster buoys are constructed out of materials, such as wood and durable plastic. Lobster buoys are uniquely decorated for easy tracing and identification of the lobsterpots used among the different harvesters.

The lobster industry implements the use of new technology with one concept in mind that is to be eco-friendly. New biodegradable materials are used for parts of the lobster pots in the event of losing the pots. Advanced detection equipments are used for locating optimal position for and retrieval of the lobsterpots. This is the reality for those in the lobster industry, this is a way of life in which they live and it is to be protected and celebrated.