Abstract
In 1976 neuston samples were taken on five surveys in the coastal area of England between the north Norfolk coast and the Fame Islands. The aim of the surveys was to sample the temporal and spatial distribution of the larvae of Homarus gammarus and to examine the problems of quantitatively sampling their pelagic phase. Lobster larvae were found in 42 of the 168 samples taken in the area between July and November. A total of 133 larvae was caught in all four planktonic stages of development. The distribution of these larvae by stage has been plotted for the first four surveys. An attempt has been made to assess the validity of the sampling method for quantitative use by producing an estimate of total seasonal production of stage I larvae. This estimate of 4·13 × 107 larvae is extremely low when compared with the catch of lobster from the commercial fishery in the area. The requirements for further research into sampling methods, before these survey techniques can be used to describe larval mortality and spawning stock size, are discussed.
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