Shellfish Traps and Rings
Marking, Buoys and Buoy Lines
If fishing from a dock or from shore, a tag must be marked with the operator’s name to the line that has the trap or ring net attached to the other end.
If fishing in open waters, all shellfish trap/ring buoys must be clearly marked with the name of the person fishing the gear (the operator’s name must be printed in solid black, capital letters at least 75 mm high). Only one name can appear on the float or buoy. It is recommended that you include your phone number.
All single traps must be marked with a buoy.
Buoys must be highly visible and of sufficient size for the tides and current in your fishing area so as not to submerge. Household plastic jugs, bottles or Styrofoam chunks are not recommended for use as buoys as they are difficult to see in the water, difficult to mark with identification, and tend to deteriorate and sink.
Ensure that your buoy line doesn’t float and become entangled in boaters’ props. Either use sinking line or, if you use floating line, attach a weight to keep the excess line below the surface of the water at all tide levels without sinking the buoy.
Keep navigation channels clear of buoys and lines to allow for safe navigation. Any fishing gear that hinders or impedes safe navigation may be removed under the Navigable Waters Protection Act.
Mechanical devices may be used to recover traps.
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