Escape Hatch

Product Description

Creel Escape Hatches

Escape hatches are a simple, effective way to improve the sustainability and efficiency of creel fishing (Check your byelaw for the right size.)

Escape gaps were introduced by MAFF in 1972, following their success in helping regenerate the US lobster industry. On Jersey, Dave Cowburn helped establish the first local byelaw, and we began commercial production of escape hatches in 1985.

Whether legally required or not, escape hatches make good fishing sense. They allow undersized lobsters and crabs to leave the creel while remaining in their natural territory. This helps reduce predation after release and prevents undersized crustations from being cannibalised while trapped inside the creel.

Escape hatches also make sorting quicker and more efficient. With the right escape gap fitted, the catch remaining in the creel is more likely to consist of animals that are of legal size.

Designed to Work with Biodegradable Breakaways

Escape hatches are particularly effective when fitted alongside biodegradable cord or ties. If a creel is lost, the biodegradable component eventually breaks down, opening the escape route and allowing trapped animals to get out.

Attach with twine, rot cord or cable ties 200 x 4.8mm.