In Figure 2, the plot of the weekly catch in the old and new wire pots shows a great disparity between 

 the catch efficiency in the two pot types before potheads were changed (prior to week 6). However, after 

 the parlor entry funnels were changed in these 2 yr old pots they fished as well as newly constructed wire 

 pots. These results support the observations of Spurr (1972) and Thomas (1959) further demonstrating 

 the sensitivity of trap efficiency to parlor head design and placement. Spurr found that the principal factor 

 affecting pot efficiency is parlor funnel design and Thomas found that high-rigged entry funnels deterred 

 escape. 



Figure 2. Weekly mean number of lobsters caught with old pots (old Tunnels vs. new funnels) and new pots at all 

 stations during 1982. 



Other factors we examined that contribute to the efficiency of lobster traps are the number of days 

 between pothauls (soaktime) and the influence of competing species caught in traps. The effectiveness of. 

 bait attracting lobsters into a trap is reduced when traps are set out for several days without rebaiting. 

 The bait deteriorates more rapidly in the warmer waters of summertime than in spring or fall. Accordingly, 

 lobstermen adjust the timing of pothauls to ensure that pots always have an ample supply of bait. 

 Competing species caught in traps also feed on the bait. Lobstermen alter their pothaul schedules over 

 the year to ensure that their traps do not become overcrowded. Generally the influence of soaktime and 



