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Deepseawaters
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Sea FAQ How is the health of the lobster resource?
How is the health of the lobster resource?
 Lobster landings have increased
significantly in the last decade; however, the number of traps
fished and general efficiency of the fishing industry have
also increased. In the Northeast it is one of several fishery
resources that is considered to be generally overfished. Fishermen
and managers, however, are working together to develop management
measures which will help insure adequate egg production to
sustain the resource and fishery. Presently major conservation
measures include safeguarding lobsters smaller than 3-1/4"
carapace length (Carapace length is measured from the rear
of the eye socket to the rear of the main body shell). Any
lobster that is smaller in carapace length than 3-1/4" must
be returned unharmed to the sea. These lobsters are known
as "shorts" or "sub-legals". Egg-bearing
females are also protected and if caught, must be placed back
in the sea. Lobster traps must have escape
vents to allow sublegal size lobsters to exit the trap while
it is still on the bottom (they can come in, eat, and leave).
Not all "shorts" leave, however, and so the lobsterman must
then throw them back when they pull their trap onto the boat.
Lobster traps must also have biodegradable
escape panels which will create a large opening and neutralize
the fishing potential of a lost trap.
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