Effect of attractant distribution on catch rate and size selection of Norway lobster caught by pots
Original version
This report is not to be cited without prior reference to the authorsAbstract
In comparative fishing trials with Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) pots, the attractant
property of an aqueous extract of mackerel was tested against that of natural mackerel bait.
The catch rate of the natural mackerel bait was three times that of the extract. There was also
a clear difference in size selectivity, with mean total lengths of 19.3 and 16.8 cm for Norway
lobsters caught on natural mackerel bait and mackerel extract, respectively. It is suggested that
the difference in catch rate and selectivity are caused by a higher release of attractants from
the mackerel bait with a corresponding larger field of smell distribution.