What to know about escape cord
Commercial and sport crabbers are required to use a biodegradable escape cord (also known as rot cord) on their pots so that if pots are lost, the cord will degrade and crabs can escape. It takes about 3-4 months for the cord to degrade when left in the water.
Cord used must be untreated 100% cotton or other natural fiber no larger than thread size 120 or 1/8-inch.
Our research shows that about a third of crab pots are not properly equipped with escape cord and many derelict pots are found to continue fishing for months and even years. On average, a derelict crab pot will catch about 75 crabs a year.
Once I have it, how do I use it?
All pots must have a way for crabs to escape if the pot is lost. This can be done by:
1) a pot lid hook or tiedown strap secured by a single loop of cord
2) a 3" by 5" escape panel sewed into the upper half of the pot with cord, or
3) a pot lid or one pot side (serving as a pot lid) secured by no more than three single loops of cord.
How much do you know about recreational crabbing in Puget Sound?
What else can you do to make sure there are more crabs out there to harvest?
• USE BUOYS. Mark your gear with clearly visible buoys to alert passing boaters to the presence of your crab pot.
• WEIGHT YOUR LINE. Weighted lines sink below the surface to avoid being cut by passing boats.
• USE THE CORRECT LENGTH OF LINE. Knowing how deep the water is where you set your gear ensures that you will be able to find your buoy.
• AVOID FERRY LANES. Many lost pots are found in Washington State Ferry traffic lanes. It is assumed that crabbers unknowingly place their traps in these areas and the ferry captains are not able to avoid them.