379Specifications for rock lobster pot

379 Specifications for rock lobster pot

(1) The licence holder must not use or possess in, on or next to Victorian waters a rock lobster pot unless the pot meets the specifications in this regulation.

(2) A rock lobster pot must—

(a) have no more than one neck or entrance; and

(b) comprise of only one chamber capable of trapping rock lobster or giant crab; and

(c) have one or more escape gaps in its side which comply with subregulation (3); and

(d) not be more than 150 centimetres long by 150 centimetres wide by 120 centimetres high.

(3) For the purposes of subregulation (2)(c), an escape gap must—

(a) be a rectangular opening measuring at least 25 centimetres long by 6 centimetres high and must be placed in the rock lobster pot so that the bottom edge of the orifice is not less than 7 centimetres or more than 10 centimetres from the inside surface of the bottom of the rock lobster pot; and

(b) be formed—

(i) using a solid steel bar of at least 1·2 centimetres square section or 1·2 centimetres diameter; or

(ii) from steel plate that is at least 0·2 centimetres thick and in a manner so that the metal surround is at least 3 centimetres in depth; and

(c) remain unobstructed and open at all times.