Escape gaps are usually flat pieces of rigid plastic with a rectangular hole in that is fitted into pots and traps to release small shellfish. This hole is set at a suitable size and shape to suit minimum landing size of the target or by-catch species of the gear. This will then provide an easy escape route for any small crustacea under the minimum lading size.
Escape gap fitted to lobster pot
Size selectivity
Allows the unhindered escape of small undersized animals of the target species or bycatch. The actual size of the escape gaps is made big enough to allow only the small crustacea through.
When working properly a correctly made escape gap should release all undersized shell fish and retain all those that are of marketable size.
