92Prescribed specifications for rock lobster pots

92 Prescribed specifications for rock lobster pots

(1)  A person must not, in State waters, set, use or possess a rock lobster pot that does not comply with the prescribed requirements under subrule (2) unless otherwise authorised by the Secretary under subrule (3) .

Penalty:  Grade 3 penalty.

(2)  The prescribed requirements for subrule (1) are as follows:

(a) a rock lobster pot 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 rock lobster pot must –

(i) have only one neck or entrance; and

(ii) have only one chamber capable of trapping rock lobster; and

(iii) not contain anything likely to entangle rock lobster in the rock lobster pot;

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

(d) a rock lobster pot 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 at least 200 millimetres wide;

(e) an escape gap in a rock lobster pot must be located –

(i) on the side of the rock lobster pot so that –

(A) the longer sides of the escape gap are generally parallel to the floor of the rock lobster pot; and

(B) the lower internal edge of the escape gap is no more than 150 millimetres above the floor of the rock lobster pot; and

(ii) clear of any obstruction that is likely to –