A large-scale experiment to enhance a stock of lobster (Homarus gammarus L.) on the English east coast

Scientists from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food arc conducting a longterm experiment on the English east coast to test the potential for enhancing the stocks of the lobster (Homarus gammarus L.) using hatchery-reared juveniles. During the release phase from 1983 to 1988 over 50 000 microtagged lobsters were released onto lobster habitat at the east coast site, which is also fished commercially. Monitoring of commercial catches has now commenced, with positive results. This paper summarizes the rearing, microtagging, release, and monitoring programmes, and describes the results obtained so far. It also discusses future monitoring objectives and examines the prospects for enhancement in the context of the lobster stock recruitment relationship.

This article is part of Marine Science Symposia Volume 192 - "The ecology and management aspects of extensive mariculture". To access other articles from this volume, please use the link to the volume on the upper right hand side.