Events

2025 North American Lobster Science Symposium

The North American Lobster Science Symposium will highlight the latest lobster research across a breadth of topical areas including ecology, biology, oceanography, and social science.  Co-hosted by the University of Maine Lobster Institute, Maine Sea Grant and the Canadian Lobster Research Network, the meeting will promote collaborations among scientists conducting research throughout North America.

Call for Abstracts: Submit a presentation (online or in-person) or poster (in-person).
Please see instructions for abstract submission below.

Conference Registration: $150 | $75 for students, includes meals and evening reception | $25 for online participants
Register here

The Symposium will feature a poster reception, themed sessions of oral presentations, and a plenary featuring ‘Navigating the New Arctic: Lobster Network’ an NSF-funded effort to connect Arctic change with lobster population dynamics and socio-economic outcomes in New England and Atlantic Canada.  The Symposium is intended to alternate with the triennial International Conference and Workshop on Lobster (and Crab) Biology and Management, next scheduled for Mallorca, Spain, in Fall 2026.

Abstract Submission
We are seeking abstracts from researchers whose work contributes to our understanding of the ecosystem dynamics that drive lobster distribution and abundance across its range, as well as the economic and social contexts of the communities that depend on the resource.  While the emphasis is on American lobster, research on any North American species is welcome (Homarus americanus, Panulirus interruptus, Panulirus inflatus, Panulirus argus). In-person attendance is strongly encouraged.

Please submit a 500 (max) word abstract including the following:

• describe your research
• identify one of the thematic areas (ecology, biology, oceanography, or social science)
• specify in-person or Zoom oral presentation; or poster presentation (in-person only) format.  Oral presentations are anticipated to be 15-20 minutes.  Poster sessions will be in person.

Abstract Due Date: September 5, 2025.

Please email your abstract submission to:
lobsterinstitute@maine.edu using the subject ‘NALSS 2025’

Questions?
Please contact Chris Cash: christina.cash@maine.edu or Chris Brehme: chris.brehme@maine.edu

The Lobster Institute at the University of Maine fosters collaboration and communication in support of a sustainable and profitable lobster industry in the Northeast U.S. and Canada

Maine Sea Grant supports the responsible use and conservation of coastal resources to foster diverse, thriving coastal communities and ecosystems.

The Canadian Lobster Research Network (CLRN) is an industry-led organization created to bring together and share knowledge with all lobster harvesting stakeholders.