10.2   Crab Trap

               The crab trap varies in shape depending on the species to be caught. The circular flat type is 50 cm. diameter and 14 cm. in height. The single entrance is located on top with a 12 cm. diameter opening. During operation, the trap is baited with fish while 2 stone weights of 100 gm each are placed inside. It is set in shallow water and the fisherman can set as many as 42 units at six meters intervals. A square type crab trap is also used, having 2 entrances with an inside funnel where the crab can roam around. The frame is made of bamboo or wood with polyethylene 400d/12, 50 mm. mesh size put around the trap. A bait case for fish is provided in the central portion of the trap. Both types of trap catch the blue swimming crab.

              A cylindrical trap for mangrove crab is also commonly used. The length of the trap is about 70-150 cm., with the maximum diameter of about 25-58 cm. at the cylindrical part. It is made of split bamboo with two entrances on opposite sides. The non-return funnels of different sizes are made of bamboo. The funnel length ranges from 25-40 cm. long. The top of the trap is covered with coconut fronds and bait is put at the center during operation. It is set in the river, or near mangrove trees, along coastal areas. It is fixed into the bottom by means of a bamboo stake. The traps are hauled once or twice a day.