productive area to conduct such a study as over 300 species of fish are 

 represented in nearby waters (Randall, 1968). Fishery scientists have 

 effectively utilized SCUBA diving as a research tool for over 15 years. 

 The ability to descend beneath the surface to directly observe fish 

 harvesting gear in action and to study animal behavior has provided 

 valuable information for the development of improved fishing gear and 

 techniques (High, 1969). The use of undersea habitats such as 

 TEKTITE is one way in which the scientist-diver can remain under 

 pressure for extended periods resulting in a significant increase in 

 the amount of research conducted. 



EQUIPMENT 



Observations were made on a total of six pots, two each of three 

 different designs. Duplicate pots permitted modification in one pot 

 while the other was being used as a control. 



Virgin Island Pots 



Two identical pots (Figure 1) were borrowed from a local Virgin Island 

 commercial fisherman. These pots were constructed of chicken wire 

 (1%-inch mesh) supported by a frame made of 3/4- inch by 1^-inch 

 wooden stringers. External dimensions were 20 inches high, 3 feet 

 across and 9 feet long. The tunnels, constructed of chicken wire, 

 were oval shaped and terminated in a right angle with the trap tunnel 

 opening downward (Figure 2) . Fish were removed and the pots were 

 baited through a plywood door at one end of the pot (now shown in 

 Figures 1 and 2). 



Experimental Collapsible Pots 



These pots (Figure 3) were constructed in Seattle, Washington and 

 shipped to the Virgin Islands. The pot frames were constructed of 

 5/8- inch diameter aluminum rod and 2- inch nylon web was hung on this 

 framework forming the walls. The same nylon web material was used 

 to form the tunnels which led directly into the pot interior. 

 Overall dimensions of these pots were 3 feet high, 3 feet across and 

 6 feet long. Both of the 3- foot square frames used for the top of 

 the pot could be swung open for access to the pot interior. 



Molded Plastic Pots 



The remaining two pots were oval and constructed of black molded 

 plastic (Figure 4) . The external dimensions for these pots were 

 2-3/4 feet in diameter by 1 foot high, with a mesh size of 1-3/4 

 inches. Flexible plastic "spears" projecting inward from the 

 8- inch diameter tunnels discouraged the escape of either fish or 

 lobsters. 



VI-5 



