47Configuration of traps

47 Configuration of traps

(1)  In this rule –

undersize, in relation to giant crab, means a giant crab that has a carapace length less than the minimum permitted length specified for that giant crab in rule 15 .

(2)  A person must not, in State waters, set, use or be in possession of a trap that does not comply with the prescribed requirements.

Penalty:  Grade 3 penalty.

(3)  The prescribed requirements for subrule (2) are as follows:

(a) a trap must have –

(i) horizontal dimensions that are no more than 1 250 millimetres by 1 250 millimetres; and

(ii) a vertical height of no more than 750 millimetres;

(b) a trap must –

(i) have only one neck or entrance; and

(ii) have only one chamber capable of trapping giant crab; and

(iii) not contain anything likely to entangle giant crab in the trap;

(c) a neck or entrance on a trap must be at least 200 millimetres in diameter;

(d) a trap must have –

(i) at least one rectangular escape gap that is at least 57 millimetres high and at least 400 millimetres wide; or

(ii) at least 2 rectangular escape gaps, each of which is at least 57 millimetres high and 200 millimetres wide;

(e) an escape gap on a trap must be located –

(i) on the side of the trap so that the longer sides of the escape gap are generally parallel to the floor of the trap and the lower internal edge of the escape gap is no more than 150 millimetres above the floor of the trap; and

(ii) clear of any obstruction that is likely to restrict the movement of undersize giant crab through the escape gap or otherwise impinge on or effectively reduce the minimum required internal dimensions of the escape gap.