Our programs all center around the lobster life cycle because we think
that learning and teaching others about lobster life will ensure continued
success of lobsters and therefore of the lobster industry.
Below is a table listing life history stage, environmental threats, current
regulations protection, and how TLC is contributing to furthering knowledge
for better protection of each life history stage. Click on each stage
for more information about TLC’s current research projects.
| Life History Stage |
Threats |
Current Regulations |
TLC Contribution |
TLC Project |
Funding Source |
| Egg |
Disease
Climate Change |
Landing egg-bearing females prohibited in all locations
Landing
lobsters >127 mm CL prohibited in most state waters V-notch
rule |
Identification of critical habitat |
Mapping Spawning and Hatching Grounds |
Northeast Consortium Davis Conservation Foundation |
| Larval |
Particularly sensitive to contaminants |
None |
Teaching |
Lobster Larvae in the Classroom |
MBNA Maine Sea Grant |
| Postlarval
and Juvenile |
Pollution Disease Climate Change |
Landing lobsters <83 mm CL prohibited in all
US waters
Handling lobsters <83 mm CL prohibited in many lobster
states |
Training citizens as environmental stewards Habitat
protection |
Juvenile Lobster
Monitoring Program |
NFWF (federal) Maine LAC (state) MCF, GPCF, BF (community
foundations) DCF, NEGEF, Darden, etc. |
| Adult |
Fishing Pressure
Disease
Pollution
Climate Change |
Trap Limits Seasonal Closures in some areas Moratoriums
on licenses Trap design |
Exploring habitat and spatial requirements and movements
of brooding female |
Social
Behavior
Sonar Tracking Project(1).
Sonar Tracking Project(2).
Lobster Life Studies Center |
Maine Sea Grant
Northeast Consortium
|
| Plate |
Lobster Crackers and Small Forks |
Same rules apply to harvesters and consumers in lobster
states No rules elsewhere |
Lobster appreciation! |
Lobster appreciation! |
Contributions from local harvesters |
