The scientists are finding that the summer sea breezes and the strong coastal current in the Gulf of Maine cause lobsters to drift far from where they have hatched. At study sites in Maine and Rhode Island, the densities of newly settled lobsters have actually declined since 1994. Wahle says that the year 2000 was one of the worst on record. Researchers found on average 1 new lobster per 10 square meters, as compared to 20 such lobsters in 1988. We still await the test of our projections.
Fishermen are also engaged in research.
To supplement sea sampling data, the Maine Department of Marine Resources is starting a program so that fishermen on boats can enter their catch information electronically. Most fisherman in Maine will cut a small notch in the tail of any egg-laden female they catch and throw her back into the water. This procedure should help to maintain a healthy breeding population. More Explore how different animal populations grow and decrease in the Middle School Gateways activity, Factors Affecting Population Growth, and in the Biology Gateways activity, Carrying Capacity. More Links Adopt a baby lobster through The Lobster Conservancy.