Abstract
The relative abundance, size, and sex frequencies of trap-caught lobsters were determined from five areas near the northern end of Grand Manan during August–September 1982 and August 1983. Large numbers of berried (ovigerous) females (90/100 trap hauls) and few male or nonberried female lobsters were caught in shallow (1–22 m) depths close to the shoreline in one area. The sex ratio was near 50% males in deeper areas. In the shallow area SCUBA divers observed mature lobsters excavating bowl-shaped depressions in the sand-clay substrate and confirmed the high density of berried females indicated by the trap catches. Berried females may seek and congregate in areas favourable for egg development and larval dispersal. During summer, shallow areas provide warmer water than deeper areas and therefore allow faster egg development and egg extrusion. Also, the shallow waters with strong tidal currents would allow rapid dispersal of newly hatched larvae.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
