DV-05-004 Investigating the Efficacy of Lobster Nurseries for Stock Assessment

Brian F. Beal
Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research and Education
PO Box 83
Beals, ME 04611
207.255.1314
bbeal@maine.edu

One strategy used by fisheries managers seeking to enhance wild lobster stocks is to raise lobsters in a laboratory and then release the larvae in large numbers. An experimental approach at the Downeast Institute transfers hatchery-grown lobsters to nursery field cages. This research project will determine how lobster growth and survival varies with initial size, stocking density, location, and nursery container.

1-year project: $5,000