Section 55. Gear requirements

All lobster traps not constructed entirely of wood (excluding heading or parlor twine and the escape vent) shall contain a ghost panel. The opening in a trap to be covered by the ghost panel shall be rectangular and shall not be less than 3-3/4 inches (9.53) by 3-3/4 inches (9.53 cm). The panel shall be constructed of, or fastened to the trap with, one of the following untreated materials: wood lath; cotton; hemp; sisal or jute twine not greater than 3/16 inch (0.48 cm) in diameter; or nonstainless, uncoated ferrous metal not greater than 3/32 inch (0.24 cm) in diameter. The door of the trap may serve as the ghost panel if fastened with a material specified in this section. The ghost panel shall be located in the outer parlor(s) of the trap and not the bottom of the trap.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 17, Issue 05, eff. October 30, 2000.

Statutory Authority

§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.