The Seasonal Occurrence and Distribution of Larval Lobsters in Cape Cod Bay

Abstract

The seasonal occurrence, abundance, and distribution of the larvae of the American lobster (Homarus americanus) in Cape Cod Bay were studied over a four-year period (1974–1977) by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and Marine Research, Inc.Although larvae occurred during five months of the year (May-September), the great majority were found during June, July, and August. In neuston net collections, mean larval densities for the June-August period ranged between 1.23 and 4.47 larvae per 1000 m3. However, densities as high as 62.29 larvae per 10000 m3 were observed in Tucker net collections near the east end of the Cape Cod Canal. The seasonal occurrence, pattern of distribution, and relative abundance of first-stage larvae near the east end of the Cape Cod Canal during June suggest that the Canal may contribute significant numbers of larvae to Cape Cod Bay.KeywordsMarine FisheryMarine ResearchSeasonal OccurrenceAmerican LobsterHomarus AmericanusThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.