Studies on materials for traps for spiny lobsters

Abstract

Studies were conducted along the south-west coast of India in order to identify suitable materials and preservative treatments for the fabrication of spiny-lobster traps. Traps were fabricated in different designs using different materials, such as bamboo splinters, coconut leaf stalk fibres, wood, polyethylene twines, Polystrap binding tape, mild steel rod, welded mesh, chicken wire netting and galvanised iron wire. As measures of preservation, the traps fabricated of iron materials were plastic-coated or painted with anti-corrosive paints, and bamboo traps were treated with ASCU (arsenic-copper-chrome composition) or creosote. To assess the performance of different materials and to recommend suitable materials and protective coatings, the traps were subjected to experimental fishing using an indigenous trap as a control. The results show that bamboo traps are weak and fragile and wooden traps are unwieldy and so are not favoured. Metal traps made of mild steel rods and welded mesh covered by complete plastic coating were found to perform efficiently and last longer.