Center for Coastal Studies, Inc.

Project Summary/abstract: Purpose: the Fishing Community and Fishery Managers Want More Data on When and Where Different Sizes and Sexes of Lobsters Are Found Along the Outer Cape Cod Area, Including Females With Eggs, Juveniles, and Larvae. This Is Important for Sustainable Management of Lobster Fishing in This Area. Activities to Be Performed: Scientists and Fishermen Will Work Together to Study Lobsters, Collecting Juvenile and Undersize Lobsters With Specialized Traps and Recording Detailed Information About Lobster Catches on Fishing Boats (including Sex, Size, Eggs, and Water Temperature). Computer Models Using the Above Data Will Be Used to Predict When and Where Lobster Larvae Are Found. Expected Outcomes: New Data Will Be Collected in an Area Where Relatively Little Is Known. Management of the Lobster Fishery Will Be Improved by Using Our Data to Gain a Better Understanding of Where Lobsters Caught by Fishermen Off Cape Cod Come From, Where They Grow Up, and Where They Lay Eggs. Intended Beneficiaries: the Fishing Community and Fishery Managers Will Benefit From the Use of New Data and Improved Management. Working Together Builds Trust Between Fishermen, Scientists, and Fishery Managers. Subrecipient Activities: Scientists Will Develop Computer Models and Help Fishermen Collect Data.