The Challenges of Lobster Fishing: Fixing Traps and Replacing Runners

🦞Lobster traps are susceptible to damage from borers, which are ocean termites. They eat the wood runners on the traps, leading to the need for repairs.

🚢Lobster fishermen are also boat owners. They are not able to hire someone to run their boats for them, promoting small family-owned businesses.

⚙️Replacing wood runners with metal runners is time-consuming and expensive. Metal runners are more durable and protect the traps from borers, but they also act as weights.

🌊Neutrally buoyant rope is used to tie the traps together. It reduces the risk of entanglement and provides a filter for unwanted catch.

💪The process of installing metal runners requires careful handling and is complicated. It involves removing existing runners, preparing the traps, and screwing the metal runners onto the traps.

Why are wooden runners being replaced with metal runners?

—Wooden runners are prone to damage from borers. Metal runners are more durable and act as weights, protecting the traps and preventing borers from eating them.

Why do lobster fishermen have to own their boats?

—Lobster fishermen are required to own their boats as part of regulations in the industry. This promotes small family-owned businesses and prevents the formation of large fleets.

Why do lobster traps need weight?

—Lobster traps require weight to keep them upright on the ocean floor. If a trap lands upside down, it won't fish effectively. Weight helps to ensure that the traps are in the correct position.

What is the purpose of neutrally buoyant rope?

—Neutrally buoyant rope is used to tie the traps together. It reduces the risk of entanglement and serves as a filter to let unwanted catch escape while allowing lobsters and crabs to enter the traps.

What is the process of installing metal runners?

—Installing metal runners involves removing existing runners, preparing the traps, and securely attaching the metal runners to the traps. It requires careful handling and attention to detail.

00:00Lobster traps have been damaged by borers, which are ocean termites that eat wood runners on the traps.

02:59Lobster fishermen are required to own their boats, promoting small family-owned businesses and preventing the formation of large fleets.

05:47Wooden runners are being replaced with metal runners, which are more durable and protect the traps from borers. Metal runners also act as weights.

07:31Neutrally buoyant rope is used to tie the traps together, reducing the risk of entanglement and serving as a filter for unwanted catch.

09:45Installing metal runners is a complex process that requires careful handling and attention to detail. It involves removing existing runners, preparing the traps, and securely attaching the metal runners.