Summary
The study evaluated the size selectivity and catch efficiency of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) pots in the Barents Sea equipped with three different circular escape gaps (95 mm, 100mm, and 105 mm) compared to standard pots under two different soak times (4 days and 6 days). The use of escape gaps in addition to standard netting reduced the capture of small crabs and improved size selectivity. Larger escape gaps were more effective in releasing smaller crabs, particularly in the shorter soak time, however, catch of small, but target-sized crab was also reduced.