RRF Graduate Assistant Proposal for PhD Candidate
Principal Investigator: Yong Chen (Zoology & Marine Science, UMaine)
Partners: Maine Department of Marine Resources, NOAA
Abstract: There are an estimated 5,000 license holders contributing to Maine lobster landings, of which 30% are eligible to fish in federal waters. The timing and location of off-shore fishing leads to an increased likelihood of catching cusk as bycatch in the Maine lobster fishery. The NOAA is interested in exploring proactive conservation measures for cusk. This program seeks funding for a GA to assist in developing strategies for reducing cusk bycatch and discarded mortality rates in the lobster fishery by November 2017.