ABOUT LOBSTERS 49 



Summary. Of the three pot types investigated 

 those fitted with fine-mesh (5/16") netting onto the 

 lower face of the head inlet caught more lobsters than 

 did pots not so fitted. 4 



The above tests explain why the sample pot in the bul- 

 letin on " Practical Hints for Lobster Fishermen," from the 

 Scottish Home Department shows only a pot equipped with 

 the fine-mesh catwalk as in Figure 7. 



The Leakey pot. One of these pots has been imported 

 from England. It is a metal-framed collapsible trap. It is 

 reported that fifteen hundred are in use in Britain. Its bot- 

 tom and sides are made of nylon netting, and it is held in 

 position of use by a nylon cord which may be readily re- 

 leased or broken by storm damage, allowing the pot to col- 

 lapse. The hinged door at one end allows the removal of 

 lobsters. It does not have a door in the side to reach the 

 bait hook, and it is not clear how the bait is to be secured. 

 The frame is 3/8" steel rod covered with a protective 

 coating. 



The most interesting feature of the Leakey pot is what 

 they call the " escape inhibitor." This is a fine-mesh plastic 

 floor netting such as used on the Scotch pot, but it is stiff 

 and springy, and it extends beyond the opening of the head 

 about 3 inches into the pot, as at X in Figure 8. The in- 

 ventors state: " The plastic floor extends past the end of the 

 head netting in the form of a row of bristles over which the 

 lobster passes on its way in. If it tries to escape, the bristles 

 not only prod it back but any pressure on them closes the 

 head." It is claimed that Leakey traps can be fished for long 

 periods between hauls without the catch escaping. 



4 H. J. Thomas, " The Efficiency of Fishing Methods Employed in the Cap- 

 ture of Lobsters and Crabs," International Council for the Exploration of 

 the Sea, Charlottenlund, Denmark. 



