abandoned lobster pot?

[martyp]

Hi all,
Today whilst out in the sea we came across a lobster pot in water only a couple of feet deep when the tide was out. Inside were two very large blue lobsters and we wondered if it might have been discarded as if it was I would want to release the lobsters but wouldn't touch it if it was likely to be harmful to someones livelihood. I couldn't see any others next to it but there were a couple of floating things within about 10- 15 feet so I assume they were something related?
If it wasn't in use can it be reported or checked as I'm worried about the lobsters...

[Harry Eales]

Hello Marty,

Most Lobster Pots in the U/K are put down fairly close to land. Being inhabitants of rocky sea bottoms the lobsters can be found fairly close to the low tide line when rocky outcrops extend out to sea from land. I have found the occasional small Lobster in rock pools left behind by a receeding tide.

It's almost certain that the pot you found was in use, lobster pots are baited with dead fish to attract the lobsters into the pot, but the bait doesn't last long it is either eaten by the lobster or breaks up and gets washed away, thus making the trap of no interest to the lobster.

Lobster Traps are usually attached to a length of rope slightly longer than the depth of water the pot is submerged in at high tide. A float usually with a small flag pole is attached to the rope. The flag is often colour coded so fishermen know which pots belong to a particular inshore fisherman.

It may just be possible that the pot you saw had been moved inshore by high tides, winds or currents. However as it was low tide when you saw it, it could also be a place that is regularly fished. Lobster habitat (crevices in rocks etc are in short supply and as soon as one is vacated or the lobster resident is caught, another moves in).

If you are local to the area where you saw the pot, have another look next time there is a low tide and see if it is still there, and if the lobsters are still present. If so it looks like it is a lost pot and you could either release the lobsters or have a very nice supper.

Harry

[tom00_uk]

or i could be just a single pot put out by a individual. there was a increase in people attempting to catch there own after many tv shows like the river cottage series for instance showed that its possible to catch a meal if your willing to paddle or swim out.

i have not used my pot in a while as never seem to have enough time to soak with out ending up leaving it for so long the catch would suffer

[wizzo]

I always understood that you need to have a licence....not only to own a Lobster/Crab pot but also to fish with one. Is this correct? Wizzo

[Harry Eales]

Wizzo,

I haven't heard of licences being required for taking Lobsters but it's possible they are.
I know skin divers who occasionally dive for them, just taking one for the pot. I suppose the modern equivelent of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food would be the place to enquire.

Don't ask a Lobster or Crab fisherman, they'll they'll probably tell you tales that will put you off for life. That's only because the don't want competition. lol.

Harry

[tom00_uk]

it could be local bylaws that are governing who can try and fish in an area. there are a increasing number of no take zones as well

[martyp]

Originally Posted by Harry Eales

Hello Marty,

Most Lobster Pots in the U/K are put down fairly close to land. Being inhabitants of rocky sea bottoms the lobsters can be found fairly close to the low tide line when rocky outcrops extend out to sea from land. I have found the occasional small Lobster in rock pools left behind by a receeding tide.

It's almost certain that the pot you found was in use, lobster pots are baited with dead fish to attract the lobsters into the pot, but the bait doesn't last long it is either eaten by the lobster or breaks up and gets washed away, thus making the trap of no interest to the lobster.

Lobster Traps are usually attached to a length of rope slightly longer than the depth of water the pot is submerged in at high tide. A float usually with a small flag pole is attached to the rope. The flag is often colour coded so fishermen know which pots belong to a particular inshore fisherman.

It may just be possible that the pot you saw had been moved inshore by high tides, winds or currents. However as it was low tide when you saw it, it could also be a place that is regularly fished. Lobster habitat (crevices in rocks etc are in short supply and as soon as one is vacated or the lobster resident is caught, another moves in).

If you are local to the area where you saw the pot, have another look next time there is a low tide and see if it is still there, and if the lobsters are still present. If so it looks like it is a lost pot and you could either release the lobsters or have a very nice supper.

Harry

Many thanks for the detailed and quickreply Harry. I've just got back from my holiday now, unfortunately we seemed to have really bad weather after that visit to the beach so didn't end up going back. My girlfriend who found the pot said it did have a rope attached and it was close to the floats so I think from what you say it was in use. There were three lovely big blue lobsters in there, I took a couple of photos but it was difficult as they kept going back into the water.

[tom00_uk]

from the pic they look to small to be landed, so should be back in the sea putting on a few more inches before they grace a dinner plate

[cuttlefishdiving]

Reading a notice about lobsters and crabs the other day - it said you only need a license if you are selling the catch, not if it's for your own consumption. However there is a limit to the number of crabs/lobsters you can take, and the size they need to be (140mm across the carapace for a crab, and 90mm from the back of the eye socket to the end of the carapace for a lobster). I can't remember the exact formula for the number you can take (it depends on the number of people in the boat or something) but it was around 5 - we should be so lucky!

[The Woodman]

If in doubt contact your local Sea Fisheries Committee for information and a copy of the byelaws.

The Association Of Sea Fisheries Committees of England & Wales