…all lobster traps must be equipped with a biodegradable ghost panel. A “ghost panel” is an escape panel which is designed to release lobsters from traps which are lost while fishing.             (12-§6433-A)

Every lobster trap must have an unobstructed escape panel which is located in the parlor section:
           -  on the sides, 
           -  at the end, 
           -  or on the top if the escape panel is placed directly over the head.

A. Panels may be constructed of untreated natural material such as:
           - cotton,
           - hemp,
           - sisal, or
           - jute twine not exceeding 3/16 of an inch in diameter;
           - non-stainless,
           - uncoated ferrous metal not exceeding 3/32 inches in diameter, or
           - soft wood lath

B. Any material may be used as a panel if it is held in place by any of the material listed in A

C. Panels must be constructed in such a manner as to create an unobstructed opening of at least 3 ¾” by 3 ¾” or an unobstructed opening at least 3 inches wide along the entire length or height of the parlor section when the panel is removed or opened (Regulation 25.80)