Wildlife trooper Ricky Merritt recently seized eight illegal crab and shrimp pots between Haines and Skagway.

The pots were missing biodegradable, cotton twine on escape hatches, Merritt said. Owners of identifiable pots will be fined $100 and be instructed on proper rigging of pots, he said.

Unidentified pots are held for five years before becoming state surplus. Residents who claim unidentified seized pots also will be fined $100 for not having them properly marked. Merritt said he inspected 30 pots on the trip.

Author