| Summary: | At the end of the 1950s, a reduction was apparent in the total lobster catch and in the individual yields to fishermen from the main lobster fisheries of the Channel and Atlantic coasts of France. This reduction gave rise to the introduction of several remedial measures, including the seeding of post-larvae and hatchery-reared juveniles. Following the absence of tangible results from this approach, a programme was initiated to release, over several years, hatchery-reared juveniles carrying magnetic tags. The aim was to improve our knowledge of the early biology of the species and to give an estimate of recapture rate and hence survival rate of introduced stock. In parallel with a series of studies on juvenile behaviour and ecology, nearly 25 000 hatchery-reared juveniles containing magnetic tags were set out at trial sites in southern Brittany from 1984 to 1987. Commercial landings have been sampled since 1987, giving several recaptures. The marked animals have not moved, but show a much higher growth rate than was expected on the basis of existing information. Two or three years’ observations of a similar kind will be needed in order to estimate survival rates.Description not yet available.
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