Abundance and Distribution of Lobster Larvae (<i>Homarus americanus</i>) in Northumberland Strait

Abstract

A method is described for catching the planktonic larval stages of the lobster (Homarus americanus Milne Edwards). Estimates are made of the abundance and distribution of each of the four stages in the surface waters of part of the Northumberland Strait (southern Gulf of St. Lawrence) for the years 1949–61, with a more critical analysis for the year 1961. Both abundance and survival of the larvae vary from year to year, although they do not appear to be related with measured hydrographical conditions. It is suggested that the distribution of stage I larvae reflects the location of the parent stock and that surface drift carries the developing larvae to possible areas of settlement.There is no conclusive relationship between the larvae and the subsequent stock, although a possible relationship between the abundance of stage I larvae and parent stock density is described and briefly discussed.