Alternative baits to improve the sustainability of the snow crab (Chionocetes opilio) and American lobster (Homarus Americanus) fishery

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of two attractants containing either betaine or lecithin, and LED light devices as alternative bait options for crustaceans. Sea trials were conducted during the 2018 and 2019 snow crab fishing seasons (CFA 23 and 24). Traps baited with fish bait, betaine attractant and LED light improved capture (P < 0.001) in 2018. Because of the limited variation in catch, a cost-benefit analysis was conducted for the 2019 season, which found that using additional betaine attractant and/or LED light could reduce the number of fishing trips needed to meet quota. In-laboratory preference trials were run on American lobsters, testing betaine and lecithin attractants, white LED light, fish bait and an empty control. Lobsters rested for a longer period (P = 0.001) by the lecithin attractant and chose it more often (P = 0.003) than the LED light to rest.