Spotlight

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SPOTLIGHT

 

LOBSTER INSTITUTE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

(revised 9/30/12)

 

RESEARCH PROJECTS
(initiated by the Institute or with the Institute serving as a collaborator)

Note: LB and date indicates a related article in Lobster Bulletin

  • Lobster band testing – L.B. 11/87
  • Lobster ecology and impacts of dragging study (“trap-free zone”) – L.B. 4/88•Ghost trap study – L.B. 4/88
  • Research on examining how planktonic larval lobsters are delivered to suitable benthic habitats and what factors contribute to their survival – L.B. 4/88
  • Inshore/offshore genetics study – L.B. 4/88
  • Migration study – L.B. 6/88
  • Shell disease study – L.B. 6/88
  • Lobster hatchery study – L.B. 6/88
  • Blue lobster project – L.B. 11/88
  • Aeration systems in Stonington pound – L.B. 11/88
  • Escape vents study – L.B. 11/88
  • Pegged vs. banded lobsters study – L.B. 11/88
  • EBP lobster study – L.B. 4/89
  • Study of the economics of the lobster resource – L.B. 4/89
  • V-notched study – L.B. 4/89
  • Argo Maine Research Cruise – L.B. 7/89
  • Fish farm impacts on lobster – L.B. 7/89
  • Lobster industry survey – 9/89
  • Study to determine the feasibility of establishing a cold seawater holding facility
    for lobsters shipped to Japan and other Pacific Rim nations – L.B. 4/90
  • Study on the relationship between the number of lobster traps per acre and the trap yield – L.B. 4/90
  • Economic impact of the gauge increase – L.B. 4/90
  • Artificial bait study – L.B. 4/90
  • Study to analyze Canadian/U.S. lobster markets – L.B. 11/90
  • Study on Canadian vs. U.S. lobster fisheries – L.B. 11/90
  • Study on the ecology of early life stages of lobsters – L.B. 11/90
  • Study on whether blue lobsters have behavioral patterns different from normal lobsters – L.B. 5/91
  • Survival of hatchery-reared lobsters in the field – L.B. 5/91
  • Tracking down the cause of shell disease – L.B. 5/91
  • Study on analyzing the industry from harvesting to final consumer – L.B. 12/91
  • Comprehensive lobster management – L.B. 12/91
  • Cryogenic freezing process – L.B. 5/92
  • How pounds operate and to what extent they affect the market – L.B. 12/92
  • Thermal thresholds/lobster recruitment – 1993
  • History of lobster legislation – 1994
  • Test to detect scrubbed lobsters developed – L.B. 5/95
  • Northeast researchers team up to predict lobster harvests – L.B. 11/95
  • Harvesters survey results – L.B. 5/96
  • Right whales & lobster gear – L.B. 10/96
  • Method to predict catch – L.B. 10/96
  • Lobster co-management – L.B. 10/96
  • HACCP regulations – L.B. 10/96
  • Test for whale friendly lobster trap lines – L.B. 4/97
  • Purdue/Maine venture – testing new lobster feed – L.B. 4/97
  • Perfecting frozen lobster – L.B. 4/97
  • Studies of Lobster Disease – L.B. 10/97
  • Using submarines to find lobster brood stock – L.B. 10/97
  • Lobster band testing (repeated) – L.B. 98
  • Market study on snack food – L.B. 00
  • Lobster mortality in Long Island Sound – L.B. 00
  • Quick splice for lobster lines – L.B. 2/00
  • New food products from lobster – L.B. 00
  • Lobster Cam – L.B. 00
  • Non-vented traps for stock assessment – L.B. 00
  • Blue lobster count in Cutler Harbor – L.B. 00
  • Supplying lobster tissue for a lobster genetics study being conducted in Belfast, Northern Ireland – L.B. 00
  • Developing improved medication to combat bacterial menace in lobster pounds – L.B. Fall 00
  • Shell disease research in Long Island Sound – L.B. Fall 00
  • Tests on effects of pesticides on lobster – L.B. 00
  • Alternative bait studies – L.B. 00, Summer 01, 02  ongoing to present  Commercialized 07  L.B.Summer 07
  • Studies on blood glucose and pH levels as stress level indicators – L.B. Winter 01
  • Research with FDA on Vibrio fluvialis’ role in limp lobster disease – L.B. 01
  • Examining viability of use of wood composites in lobster industry-related structures i.e. trap runners – 01
  • Pasta products from processing byproducts – 01,02
  • Lobster hatchery project– 02
  • Improving quality of live shipped lobster–03, L.B. Summer 04
  • Lo-tech lobster hatchery (the “Nest) –03
  • Pet treats using processing by-products–03  Commercialized 06  L.B.Winter 06
  • Predation of juvenile lobsters by Asian Shore Crabs  L.B. Winter 03
  • Flavor infused lobster–03, 04  L.B.04
  • Reaffirmed lead levels in lobsters below USFDA guidelines for detection levels L.B. Winter 04
  • Extruded snack food prototype from processing by-products & green crab  L.B. Fall 04
  • Study on bacterial assemblage in shell diseases lobsters – indication of involvement of Pseudoalteromonas species  L.B. Winter 04
  • Analysis of heavy metals in lobsters  L.B. Summer 04, Summer 05
  • Use of MRI & CT scan technology to observe shell disease  L.B. Fall 05
  • Developed GIS of incidence of shell disease and possible related factors  Fall 05
  • Comparative analysis of species trends for lobster, cod, haddock, urchins & striped bass (including temperature change ) 05, 06  L.B. Spring 06
  • Using sensor technology to gauge lobster quality  06-10  L.B. Winter 10
  • Use of lobster hemolymph in commercial immunoassay development L.B. Fall 06
  • Juvenile lobster sampling trap  L.B. Fall 07
  • Lobster health monitoring – baseline studies 06, 07  L.B. Winter 07
  • Testing tidal lobster pounds as hatcheries  Summer 07
  • Medicated feed trials to reduce shrinkage in tidal lobster pounds  07
  • Lobster Health Coalition formed – baseline surveys  08, 09  L.B. Winter 09
  • Development of BMPs  – study on stressors due to hauling and  post-catch handling  L.B. Winter 10
  • Study on use of clam shells with bio-degradable closures as lo-tech hatchery — 10
  • Developing a mooring that also serves as habitat for lobsters – 10  Commercialized 11  L.B. Fall 10
  • Study on how cooking methods affect yield 11
  • Study on affects on lobster catch by using bait  L.B. Winter 11
  • Use of invasive green crab in food products   L.B. Summer 11
  • Use of lobster processing by-product (shell) as ingredient in bio-degradable golf ball – 11
  • Study on effectiveness of various amounts of bait – 11
  • Began studies on effects of ocean acidification on larval lobsters — 11
  • Renewed alternative bait development – 12

DEVELOPMENT

  • Played a major role in creating the Maine Lobster Promotion Council – L.B. 12/91
  • Guided Kona Cold Lobster Company (Relay Pound – Hawaii) to over 500,000 lbs. of Maine lobster sales annually, and an expanded sales capacity for over 1,000,000 lbs annually – 1994
  • Continue working towards the removal of trade barriers/tariffs on •American lobsters in
  • Australia, aiwan, and South Korea – 1994
  • Established the Irish Lobster Fishermen’s Association, and Irish/Maine Lobsterman’s Exchange – 1995
  • Planning of Lobster Fishermen’s Research Center, Bunker’s Harbor, ME – 1999
  • U.S. Patent on Seafood Preservation Method
  • Partnered in formation of Cranberry Point Lobster and Seafood Development Center in Gouldsboro, ME – 1999
  • Established Kenneth Allen Brown Memorial Lobster Research Fund – 4/01
  • New extruder installed at the Univ. of Maine for use in food product development – 01
  • Re-established a research field station at Tidal Falls in Hancock, ME – 01
  • Partnership w/Saltwater Marketing, LLC –02
  • Provided a list of lobster experts as resource on our Web site – 03
  • Acquired donation of a deboner for use in food product development
  • C.O.R.E. Campaign planning started in 04
    • Darden Challenge – 04
    • Riverdale Challenge – 06
    • Acquired grant of $395,000 to equip Aquatic Animal Health Lab – 06
    • Endowment acquired for Lobster Bulletin – 06
    • Donation of boat for use as research vessel – 07
    • Long Island Sound Lobstermen establish endowment – 07
    • Product development scholarship bequest – 07
    • Acquired grant of $600,000 for construction of a bio-safety 3 capable wet lab – 10
    • Acquired two gifts of land from the Heannsler Family – 11
    • Pet treat using lobster processing byproducts commercialized – 06
    • Alternative bait commercialized – 07
    • Acquired donation of a steam cooker for studies on meat yield – 11
    • Developed concept and created first prototype for bio-degradable golf ball made with lobster shell – 11

WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES

  • International Lobster Dealers, Processors & Pound Operators Workshop
  • Yearly workshops at the Mass Lobstermen’s Association Convention in January
  • Plan and conduct seminars for yearly Maine Fishermen’s Forum
  • Sponsored planning meeting of lobster researchers of North America in St. Andrews, New Brunswick May of 1988 – L.B. 6/88
  • Life History of the American Lobster Conference November 29-30, 1989 – L.B. 4/90
  • Pounding seminar on Swan’s Island – L.B. 12/91
  • Economics workshop – 1992
  • Harvester Workshop – North Atlantic Lobster Coalition – 1992
  • International Lobster Congress, 1993 &1994
  • Workshop, Galway, Ireland – 4/94
  • Lobster Husbandry Technology Transfer, Kona, Hawaii – 3/94
  • Lobster Quality, Charlottetown, PEI – 4/94
  • Lobster Summit, Samoset, Rockport, ME – 2/97
  • Lobster Congress, Adelaide, Australia, 9/99
  • Law Enforcement Workshop – Bleached Lobster, Stanford, CT –– 4/00
  • Organized statewide tour and meetings with Australian lobstermen from the Geraldton Fishermen’s Cooperative – 9/01
  • Lobster College, in-depth study of the lobster and lobster industry for non-industry people – 01, 02, 08
  • Participated in planning of and hosted the U.S. Dept. of Commerce Science and Technology Fellowship – 03
  • Participated in planning and presented at the Marine Media Fellowship at UM – 02,03, 04
  • Organized 3 workshops to plan a lobster-based curriculum for K-12 grades – 03
  • Organized and hosted Canadian/U.S. Lobstermen’s Town Meeting – 04 though 12
  • Helped coordinate and host Lobster Academy for lobster industry buyers/retailers – 09, 10, 11,12
  • Organized and hosted two sessions with industry leaders to discuss sustainability certification – 10
  • Organized and hosted a marketing and certification seminar for lobster industry leaders – skyped the director of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute – 10
  • Participated in organization of International Lobster Science Symposium: Lobster in a Changing Ecosystem – 12

INDUSTRY OUTREACH PUBLICATIONS/MISC.

  • Lobster Bulletin– ongoing  (quarterly)
  • Lobsters Inside-Out – lobster learning workbook
  • A Lobster in Every Pot – recipes & lore
  • Lobster Cut-outs – nutritional & biology info.
  • Lobster Library maintained with over 2,000 lobster-related scientific articles
  • Operation of a Lobster Pound Manual
  • Lobster Health Manual
  • Lobster Holding Tank Systems Manual
  • Techniques to Detect Chemically Scrubbed, Egg-bearing Lobsters Manual
  • Lobsters, Holding, Shipping and Handling Manual
  • Comments on Cooking Lobsters – flyer (also available in French)
  • Consumer FAQs – flyer
  • HACCP Plan and Logbook for Lobster Storage
  • Frozen Soft Shell Lobster Quality
  • Annual Lobster Pound Survey Report
  • Website: www.lobsterinstitute.org est. 1996
  • Video clip of a trip on a lobster boat (see website)
  • ”Sex, Lies, and Videotapes” – presentation on lobster biology and research
  • Oral history – video recorded interviews with older lobstermen and folks from lobstering communities– L.B. Winter 01. Available as a presentation
  • Needs assessment survey – L.B. Spring 02
  • Lobster-based curriculum for grades 5-8 (based on Maine State Learning Results) posted to our Web site – 04
  • Revised and technologically upgraded Web site launched – 05
  • Edited versions of oral history interviews made available on UMaine’s Fogler Library Web site as part of “Windows on Maine” project – 06
  • Literature review or potential effects on lobsters and other crustaceans from construction of marine wind farms – 08
  • How to Freeze Lobster at Home – flyer – 09
  • Summary Reports and Full Transcripts of all Canadian/U.S. Lobstermen’s Town Meetings – 04-12
  • Facebook page started – 11
  • Developed Lobster Health Coalition Web site – 12

Our Mission

The Lobster Institute, with guidance and involvement from fishermen and all constituents within the lobster industry, and with both a community and global perspective, conducts and provides for research and educational outreach focused on protecting, conserving, and enhancing the lobster resource and lobstering as an industry…and as a way of life.

LOBSTER INSTITUTE
C.O.R.E. Campaign
210 Rogers Hall • The University of Maine
Orono, ME -04469