(a) Construction specifications—(1) Escape mechanisms. A spiny lobster trap used or possessed in the Caribbean EEZ must contain on any vertical side or on the top a panel no smaller in diameter than the throat or entrance of the trap. The panel must be made of or attached to the trap by one of the following degradable materials:

(i) Untreated fiber of biological origin with a diameter not exceeding 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm). This includes, but is not limited to tyre palm, hemp, jute, cotton, wool, or silk.

(ii) Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire with a diameter not exceeding 1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm), that is, 16 gauge wire.

(2) [Reserved]

(b) Tending restrictions. A Caribbean spiny lobster trap in the Caribbean EEZ may be pulled or tended only by a person (other than an authorized officer) aboard the spiny lobster trap owner's vessel, or aboard another vessel if such vessel has on board written consent of the trap owner, or if the trap owner is aboard and has documentation verifying his identification number and color code. An owner's written consent must specify the time period such consent is effective and the trap owner's gear identification number and color code.