Similarly, although rectangular pots were less efficient than round pots, which was probably due to fewer and more open entrances, their lateral mesh openings were also considerably less than their SMO (i.e. 50 vs. 90 mm). Such an effect probably explains the relatively larger proportions of undersized P. pelagicus and teleost bycatch retained by rectangular traps. Boutson et al. (2009)found that escape vents in collapsible rectangular pots (similar to those used here) reduced undersized P. pelagicus catches, and other bycatch (by 59% and 38%, respectively) without affecting legal-size catches. Similar modifications and/or increases in mesh sizeat strategic locations in the pots assessed here might improve their selectivity.