Bayer speaks with Seacoastonline about lobster shell disease
Bob Bayer, executive director of the Lobster Institute at the University of Maine, spoke with Seacoastonline for an article about shell disease becoming an increasing problem for lobstermen in Kittery. Lobster shell disease has been prevalent in southern New England for more than 20 years, according to the article. Although less than 1 percent of lobsters found in the Gulf of Maine are affected, anecdotal evidence suggests there are higher incidents of the disease in the Piscataqua River region, the article states. “I’ve heard that that area has been a hotspot on and off for a while,” Bayer said. “I think that this may be something unique to the Piscataqua River, based on conversations I’ve had with fishermen in that area.” He said the environmental reasons for the disease remain uncertain, but pesticides and other water quality issues likely play a part. Warming waters may be a factor as well, “but we’re not sure of that connection,” Bayer said.