| Trap Fishing in St. Thomas |
Fish and lobster trap fishing are the main fishing methods employed in St.
Thomas. Fish traps used to be woven from palm fronds but are now made from
2 inch mesh wire (which releases much of the bycatch). Lobster traps tend to
be made of plastic and imported from the States. Most fishermen fish in small
(less than 25 foot) boats although several of the lobster fishermen have up to 35
ft boats. The average fish trap fisherman hauls around 85 traps in a day and the
lobster fishermen haul over 120 traps. The fish is sold mostly at Saturday
markets around the island and the lobster is directly marketed to hotels.
Thomas. Fish traps used to be woven from palm fronds but are now made from
2 inch mesh wire (which releases much of the bycatch). Lobster traps tend to
be made of plastic and imported from the States. Most fishermen fish in small
(less than 25 foot) boats although several of the lobster fishermen have up to 35
ft boats. The average fish trap fisherman hauls around 85 traps in a day and the
lobster fishermen haul over 120 traps. The fish is sold mostly at Saturday
markets around the island and the lobster is directly marketed to hotels.
