The Status of the Southern New England Lobster Stock

Management of the American lobster fishery in U.S. waters recognizes 3 biological stocks. Since 2001, the northern 2 stocks have increased in abundance whereas the southernmost stock has declined dramatically. Decline in abundance indices of all sizes, including larvae and young-of-year, indicate that the stock is experiencing recruitment failure. Increasing water temperature and a corresponding increase in shell disease may be contributing. factors. Assessment procedures have recently included a 2-fold increase in nonharvest losses; however, modeling spawning stock losses specific to the disease process has not been accomplished. Rebuilding strategies need to maximize stock production while at the same time minimize the spread and severity of shell disease.