10.1 Fish-Trap
The fish-trap is commonly called a fish pot or “bubo” in local terms. Three main group can be distinguished based on their shape : cylindrical, rectangular and semi-cylindrical traps. Small traps are about 50 cm. long, 40 cm. wide and 20 cm. in height. Large traps are about 160 cm. long, 100 cm. wide and 50 cm. in height. However, there are some fish pots measuring 500 cm. long, 320 cm. wide and 100 cm.in height.
Bamboo is the most widely used material for making trap frames, non-return funnels and the woven mattings that surround the trap. Nowadays, polyethylene or mononylon netting is the main material for smaller traps while the larger ones are made of steel wire. The wire netting has hexagonal meshes with leg size of about 2.0-2.5 cm. long.
A majority of the fish traps have only one entrance. It has pointed bamboo funnels which prevent the escape of the fish after entering the trap. The number of traps to be set range from 10 to 20 depending on the size of the trap and the banca. The traps are provided with stone weights at each corner during operations. Small-sized traps are usually baited and are hauled daily. Large traps do not contain any bait and are kept on the bottom for several days. Some are set in rocky coral bottoms by diving, while other traps are set in the bottom with a retrieving line. There are also set traps with no surface marker. The location is based on bearings of mountains or tall buildings. Retrieval, by hooking the line, or the trap itself, is by use of a weighted gaff. Removal of fish caught is through an opening located at the sides or lower portion of the trap. |
