The effectiveness of parlour pots for catching lobsters (Homarus gammarus (L.)) and crabs (Cancer pagurus L.)

Abstract

The catch of European lobsters ( Homarus gammarus ) and edible crabs ( Cancer pagurus ) from double-chambered parlour pots was compared with the catch from traditional single-chambered Yorkshire creels. With a one-day immersion period, parlour pots caught twice as many lobsters and slightly more crabs than the creels. With a longer immersion period, parlour pots appeared to be even more effective. When long time series of catch and effort data are used to estimate abundance, or for stock-production modelling, changes in gear effectiveness which result from the use of parlour pots must be considered.