Diving buoys and lobster pots

Pedrode · 01 July 2013, 23:36

Anyone out there know what the protocol is for dropping lobster pots near diving marker buoys? There is a white buoy marked 'dive site' near where I usually drop my pots. Obviously I keep an eye out for any dive boats or flags that are out when I am picking up my pots but I wondered whether there were some rules around this?

Nos4r2 · 02 July 2013, 00:02

Don't think there's any rules about it, but I'd move your pots. It's not unknown for divers to empty them or nick the catch.

NOTE. I'm NOT saying 'divers are dishonest' or anything like that.

m chappelow · 02 July 2013, 03:34

I would just go ahead & shoot them
( your pots that is ) as normal
unless the bouy is yellow & is marking something like a survey site perhaps for some scientific research group like a university or acting of behalf of say Defra though I would have thought that they would have placed an official notice somewhere such as the local newspaper or harbour masters office if they want immunity .

Is it just on good lobster ground in general or is there a wreck could be just a dive club that's marked it for when their diving at weekends .

Pedrode · 02 July 2013, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by m chappelow

I would just go ahead & shoot them
( your pots that is ) as normal
unless the bouy is yellow & is marking something like a survey site perhaps for some scientific research group like a university or acting of behalf of say Defra though I would have thought that they would have placed an official notice somewhere such as the local newspaper or harbour masters office if they want immunity .

Is it just on good lobster ground in general or is there a wreck could be just a dive club that's marked it for when their diving at weekends .

Thanks,

I think that it is just a dive club marker buoy and yes, it's very good lobster territory judging by last year's 100% success rate. I just remember shitting myself when diving in the Med with props moving on the surface....despite our flags and a clearly marked dive boat. Anyway, I've dropped them and will just keep an eye out for the divers. Cheers.

Johnscubanut · 02 July 2013, 10:37

As divers, we have rules in place not to dive near lobster pots. Our members (BSAC) would never remove lobsters from a pot but if someone does so, they should be reported to the authorities!

Pedrode · 02 July 2013, 10:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnscubanut

As divers, we have rules in place not to dive near lobster pots. Our members (BSAC) would never remove lobsters from a pot but if someone does so, they should be reported to the authorities!

Hi John,

I'm a diver myself - just for the avoidance of doubt, my concern is for safety, not theft.

Nos4r2 · 02 July 2013, 11:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnscubanut

As divers, we have rules in place not to dive near lobster pots. Our members (BSAC) would never remove lobsters from a pot but if someone does so, they should be reported to the authorities!

Fair comment and I wouldn't expect anything else from a BSAC member.

I wasn't trying to tar anyone with any brush, just saying that it has happened. There's rotten apples in every walk of life. Personally I prefer not to leave it to temptation.

Pikey Dave · 02 July 2013, 12:26

If there's no boat there flying the "A" flag, or Surface Marker Buoys or any other sign of activity, put your pots in. Just be careful if it is a wreck, that you don't snag them, otherwise you might have to be nice to the divers. Where is it anyway?

mitchc · 02 July 2013, 13:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnscubanut

As divers, we have rules in place not to dive near lobster pots. Our members (BSAC) would never remove lobsters from a pot but if someone does so, they should be reported to the authorities!

Of course you dive near pots, some of the best dive sites are also where the pots are!
So if you are on a drift dive and you happen to go past a pot, what do you do? End the dive? I doubt it.
I've done hundreds of dives in the same area as lobby pots and never had a problem. I think you'll find most pro pot fisherman have more of an idea what's going on under the surface than a load of amateur divers.

You should have a surface cover boat anyway so if they start chucking the pots over the side on top of divers matey in the support boat can politely ask them not too.

Life is full of risks but if managed correctly those risks can be fun too!!

ashbypower · 02 July 2013, 14:10

Is the area marked on the chart as "Protected Wreck" ?? if so its a no no to shoot pots there. Judging by it being a white Bouy it sounds very much like a club being lazy in finding the mark. As others have said if a boat showing the "A" flag is there dont shoot or haul the pots otherwise.. just crack on !!

Pedrode · 02 July 2013, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

If there's no boat there flying the "A" flag, or Surface Marker Buoys or any other sign of activity, put your pots in. Just be careful if it is a wreck, that you don't snag them, otherwise you might have to be nice to the divers. Where is it anyway?

Well I could tell you but I would have to shoot you afterwards....and I don't mean throwing you overboard into deep water.

Just kidding. Arran.

Mr Flibble · 02 July 2013, 17:48

Just mark them as lobby pots. I remember years ago heading over to dive the Thesis at the entrance to the sound of mull. Spies the buoy, zooms up, ties on the RHIB, throws the dive gear on and says to the others I'd get them down on the wreck. Down I go. Back up the line, onto the boat, starts up, drives to next buoy and down onto the wreck. First buoy was the nicest lobby pot I've ever dived :-)