Maine Ventless Lobster Trap Study

Study Goal

The American lobster stock was recently evaluated through a stock assessment. One of the strongest recommendations of the assessment was the need for more data, particularly for juvenile lobster. Started in 2006, the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is conducting a collaborative Ventless Lobster Trap Study from June to August 2011 to address this need.

Project Objectives

Characterize abundance & size-distribution of juvenile lobsters in Maine waters.
Document the relative importance of depth to abundance & distribution.
Conduct collaborative research between the fishing industry & DMR scientists.
Improve industry participation in the lobster stock assessment process.

Study Design

standard ventless trap Sampling in Maine is divided into 3 NMFS statistical areas. Each area will be sampled using randomly selected sites of 3 ventless and 3 vented traps each. There are 138 total sites. The sites are fished by lobstermen chosen by competitive bid under contract to DMR. All experimental gear will have bright orange poly buoys marked with DMR contact information. This is a fishery independent study and DMR staff will be onboard all trips to measure all lobsters.

Maps of study regions with locations of traps and alternate locations

More information

Project overview from 2006 - pdf file, 289 kb, 4 pages
Participating captains, pictures, and more - pdf file, 1 page, 136 kb
For more information, contact Kathleen Reardon.

DEPT. OF MARINE RESOURCES