Frequently Asked Questions for Regional Ventless Trap Survey

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1. How many days total am I bidding for, on each leg?
   There we will be total of nine contracted days for each leg. Each month participants will schedule a week to (1) bait traps and (2) haul traps twice on three nights set. The project will run June through August in 2007; depending on funding we may be able to extend the program in the future.
   
   
2. Can I bid on multiple legs?
   Yes, it is possible to bid on multiple legs. Each leg will require a commitment of three days within one week, each month.
   
   
3. Can we haul/bait on Sundays?
   Yes, we will be operating under a special license that will exempt us from hauling on Sundays during the summer months.
   
   
4. Can I haul my normal traps the same day I haul Ventless traps?
   No, each day will be dedicated to exclusively hauling experimental traps.
   
   
5. Each leg covers a large area, are we expected to haul all traps in a single day?
   Yes, but within reason, in some cases nearly 100 miles may be covered. Extremely isolated sites may be eliminated due to logistical constraints.
   
   
6. What if we miss a day due to weather or a breakdown?
   We would go the next available day.
   
   
7. Who is picking the locations to set traps?
   Locations will be randomly selected by the DMR. Participants will be asked to set gear as near as possible to selected coordinates to ensuring sites are “random”.
   
   
8. What depths are traps going to be set in?
   There are three depth strata to be covered 0-10, 11-20 and 21-30 fathoms.>
   
   
9. How many locations within each leg?
   Each leg will have approximately 12 sites, with six traps set at each site (3 ventless and 3 with vents).
   
   
10. If a site is in federal waters, do I need a federal permit?
    No, we will receive experimental permits for federal waters.
    
    
11. Are the traps left in the water between months? Yes, unless it is convenient to bring the traps ashore. We may need to shift some traps out of high traffic areas to reduce chances of trap loss.
    
    
12. Who measures the lobsters we catch?
    A DMR sea sampler will be on board each hauling day to record all lobsters, crabs and fish bycatch.
    
    
13. Can we keep legal lobsters we catch?
    No, all lobster will be returned immediately to the water.
    
    
14. Will experimental traps count towards my personal trap limit?
    No
    
    
15. What size boat are you looking for?
    Boats will need to carry a maximum of 75 traps, and be able to cover each leg in a safe timely manner.
    
    
16. What kind of bait will be used?
    Herring would be the first choice, but availability may dictate other bait types.
    
    
17. I have a lobster/crab conviction, can I participate?
    Generally a lobster or crab conviction (within the last seven years) will prevent participation in experimental projects; however, an appeal can be made to the commissioner. A conviction will not impact your ranking within the application process. All participants will be approved by the Maine Marine Patrol.
    
    
18. Why is the project only in the summer months, when fishing doesn’t pick up in my area until the Fall?
    We are limited by funds to three months, and it was decided that collecting data before and immediately after the summer molt would provide the most valuable information in the limited time period.