The following tables show the trap/pot minimums, including changes that are effective May 1, 2022. Please note that trap/pot requirements from previous rulemakings are still in place.
Universal Trap/Pot Requirements
- No buoy line floating at the surface.
- No wet storage of gear (all gear must be hauled out of the water at least once every 30 days).
- All groundlines must be made of sinking line.
Minimum Traps per Trawl in Lobster Management Areas
| Management Area (except for Maine Zones) | Minimum Traps Per Trawl |
|---|---|
| New Hampshire and Rhode Island State Waters 0-3 nm | No minimum |
| Massachusetts State Waters (except for Exempt Areas) | 2 (Trawls up to and including 3 or fewer traps must only have one buoy line) |
| LMA 1 3-6*nm | 10 |
| LMA 1 6*-12 nm | 15 |
| LMA 1 12+ nm | 25 |
| Outer Cape Cod 3-12 nm | 15 |
| Outer Cape Cod 12+ nm | 20 |
| LMA 2, 3-12 nm | 10 |
| LMA 2 12+ nm | 15 |
| LMA 2/3 Overlap |
20 (for LMA 2 permit holders only) 45 (for LMA 3 permit holders) |
| LMA 3 North of 50 fathom line on the south end of Georges Bank | 45, max trawl length 1.75 nm |
| LMA 3 South of 50 fathom line on the south end of Georges Bank | 35, max trawl length 1.75 nm |
| LMA 3 Georges Basin Restricted Area | 50,max trawl length 1.75 nm |
* The 6 nm line is an approximation defined in 50 CFR 229.32(a)(2)(ii).
Minimum Traps per Trawl in Maine Zones
| Management Area | 2 Buoy Lines | 1 Buoy Line |
|---|---|---|
| Exempt Waters | No minimum | No minimum |
| Exempt Waters-3 nm Zones A, B, F, G | N/A | 3 traps/trawl |
| Exempt Waters-3 nm Zones C, D, E | 4 traps/trawl | 2 traps/trawl |
| 3-6* nm Zone A West | 8 traps/trawl | 4 traps/trawl |
| 3-6* nm Zone B | N/A | 5 traps/trawl |
| 3-6* nm Zones C, D, E, F, G | 10 traps/trawl | 5 traps/trawl |
| 3-12 nm Zone A East | 20 traps/trawl | 10 traps/trawl |
| 6*-12 nm Zone A West | 15 traps/trawl | 8 traps/trawl |
| 6*-12 nm Zone B, D, E, F | 10 traps/trawl | 5 traps/trawl |
| 6*-12 nm Zone C, G | 20 traps/trawl | 10 traps/trawl |
* The 6 nm line is an approximation defined in 50 CFR 229.32(a)(2)(ii).
