Catch per unit effort for wood pots was similar in magnitude from 

 1976-81 but peaked at different times within each year (Fig. 2). In 

 general, lobster activity (i.e. feeding, movements, molt frequency) 

 increased at temperatures > 10 C. Catch began to increase and peaked 

 between 15 - 20 C (Fig. 3). A relationship between catch and water 

 temperature has also been documented by other researchers (McLeese and 

 Wilder 1958; Dow 1966, 1969, 1976; Flowers and Saila 1972). 



Results from the 1978-80 sampling period indicated that wire pots 

 caught significantly more lobsters than wood pots. However, this was 

 not the case in 1981 when the parlor entry funnel for wire pots was 

 closer to the rear of the trap than in previous years. Our data (experi- 

 ments in progress) confirm the above observations and further demonstrate 

 the degree to which slight changes in parlor head design can affect trap 

 efficiency. Similarly, Spurr (1972) reported that the principal factor 

 affecting pot efficiency was parlor head design; Thomas (1959) found 

 that high-rigged heads deterred escape. 

 Size Frequencies 



The yearly size distributions of lobsters caught in the Millstone 

 Point area from 1975-81 are presented in Figures 4 and 5. The relatively 

 larger proportion of smaller sized individuals in 1975 was attributed to 

 sampling methodology. During 1975, lobsters were acquired using SCUBA 

 from artificial habitats, from fish trawls and from impingement studies 

 at Units 1 and 2 intake structures. Pecci et al. (1978) reported that 

 lobsters in surface-hauled pot catches were larger than ones caught by 

 divers. After 1975, lobsters were captured using commercial pots, which 

 do not sample small individuals as effectively. 



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