Black Lobster Pot Markers - North Approach to Sound of Luing

[BlowingOldBoots]

The lower photo shows a black (looks blue in the photo) lobster trot marker just east of Bono Rock Westerly Cardinal Mark, as noted on the chartlet image, marked by the flag waypoint symbol. Earlier, a bit further north, I passed what could be described as a black toilet cistern ball cock float covered in weed marking another trot of lobster pots. This was the weekend of the 14 / 15 of September 2024, so recently.

I thought lobster fishermen were moving away from such bad practises, but apparently not. Around this area, as many of you will no doubt know, you still have to keep a good lookout for lobster pots. Fortunately, many are orange, large enough to be seen from afar and marked with the boat number. Of course, this example is possibly from an unlicensed creel fisherman, and may not even be associated with creels. However, it is in an area where creels have regularly been placed.





Not sure if this example even falls outside of the guidance. https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/d ... elines.pdf

Guideline 3:
For creels, fishing for species other than Nephrops, deployed at depths of less than 27 metres, at mean low water springs, within 12 nautical miles from Scottish Baselines, by licensed vessels, each end of the fleet must be marked with at least 1 purse seine or trawl float with a minimum diameter of 7 cm (3”) or circumference of 22 cm (9”). The optional deployment of dhans with flags at either or both ends would meet this minimum requirement.