Plain Language Summary: An investigation into different sampling techniques and geographic variation in size-fecundity parameters of the American lobster, H. americanus

• Main Authors: Wilke, Kate, Currie, Jens J.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2010
• Subjects: Belle Isle; Strait of Belle Isle; Newfoundland; Northwest Atlantic
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/14135/; https://research.library.mun.ca/14135/1/JensCurrie_an_investigation_into.pdf

This thesis focuses on two main aspects, the first of which looks at non-­‐invasive sampling techniques to estimate egg number on female lobsters and the second looks at a model that can predict the relationship between female size and egg number from latitude. The non-­‐invasive sampling techniques estimate egg number for the female American lobster (Homarus americanus) based on measurements and digital image analysis. Non-­‐invasive estimates of egg number can now be made that require the removal of only ten eggs per female instead of the entire egg mass. Applications of this technique include the evaluation of the effectiveness of conservation measures, such as v-­‐notching or the establishment of closed areas, aimed at increasing egg production, where differences in egg production can be measured without the use of destructive sampling techniques. In order to create a model able to predict the number of eggs on a female based on her carapace length throughout the species’ range, fecundity estimates for American lobster (H. americanus) from 11 different locations in the Northwest Atlantic (from the Strait of Belle Isle, Newfoundland to Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts) were obtained. The data were then analyzed for geographic variation and a distinct change with latitude was found in the model parameter b. This was then used to create a model that can predict size-­‐egg number relationships from latitude. This model will allow for future egg number estimates to be made, utilizing size data from latitude for any population in the Northwest Atlantic.