Expansion of the Coastwide Ventless Lobster Trap Survey in Southern New England
- Program: Southern New England Collaborative Research Initiative (SNECRI)
- Total Amount Awarded: $192, 100
- Project Duration: July, 1, 2011 - June 30, 2013
- Status: Completed
Project Team:
- Robert Glenn, Senior Marine Fisheries Biologist, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
- Tracy Pugh, Marine Fisheries Biologist, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
- Arthur DeCosta, Commercial Lobsterman, F/V Sherri & Deke
Project Summary:
MADMF, along with other ASMFC member states, has operated a Coastwide Ventless Lobster Trap Survey since 2006. The survey utilizes a standardized methodology over its entire range, and is the first of its kind to be employed throughout the inshore range of the commercially exploited U. S. population. The survey time series has finally attained sufficient length to be incorporated into the stock assessment process. This survey provides an ideal vehicle for monitoring stock conditions in the beleaguered LMA 2, and can be spatially expanded to provide even better resolution and representation of the area in which the industry currently fishes. Maintenance of this survey is critical to continuation of the time series, in order for the data to be incorporated as an additional abundance index in the next lobster stock assessment. The research team proposes to not only continue the Coastwide Ventless Trap Survey in the Massachusetts portion of LMA 2, but to expand the survey into Federal waters in order to better monitor the fished population. Additionally, the research team will continue to collect bycatch data for use in monitoring other commercially-important local species including conch, black sea bass and tautog.