employed in the 1992-3 Experimental Lobster Fishery Programme.

And anyone found tampering with one of the pots cold face fines of up to $5,000 or a year in prison.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks has stressed the importance of the programme in which 20 fishermen have deployed more than 230 traps in waters around Bermuda.

A spokesman said: "Attention is drawn to the Fisheries Regulations which prohibit the hauling up, moving, emptying or casting adrift of any mooring, mark or buoy used in conjunction with licensed fishing gear.'' The Department says it realises that many of the buoys and ropes used in conjunction with the lobster fishery may have been removed or damaged by mistake.

Boaters have been asked to take care not to mistake the lobster gear for stationary moorings or chumming buoys.

The spokesman said: "There have already been several unfortunate incidents that have resulted in the loss of the experimental gear.

"Such loss is not only financial in nature but is also extremely detrimental to the ongoing research associated with this experimental programme.

"There is also some danger to boaters in that this experimental gear is unlikely to provide proper anchorage and most craft will drift even if it is tied on to what has been mistaken for a mooring.'' To make them easily identifiable the traps are required to have at least a surface flag buoy and an oval blue tag bearing a three digit white number. The blue tag may be attached to either the buoy or to the surface rope.

Any member of the public seeking further information or to report suspicious gear or behaviour can contact the Division of Fisheries at 293-1785 or 234-0444.