Skip to main content
Oceans and fisheries
  • Project

Stock assessment and management of lobster

The LobStAR project aims to develop a sustainable stock assessment system for the region's unique seasonal lobster fishery.

Tagging Eastern Scheldt lobsters.
© Wageningen Marine Research

The project is a collaboration between scientists and lobster fishers aimed at developing a sustainable stock assessment system for East Scheldt lobsters. This unique small-scale, seasonal fishery has seen fluctuating lobster populations, raising concerns about potential declines. 

The project focuses on creating a low-cost, practical data management system that fishers can use independently after the project's conclusion. Key elements include studying lobster biology, developing the "CatchCam" for automatic catch registration, and leveraging fishers' knowledge to improve stock management and sustainability. The project also aims to foster stronger collaboration between the scientific community and local fishers, promoting a shared commitment to preserving this important fishery for future generations.

Results

  • Enhanced data on East Scheldt lobsters' growth, reproduction, and mortality.
  • Installed ‘CatchCam,’ an automatic catch registration system on fishing vessels.
  • Mapped existing stock assessment data for better resource management.
  • Improved data collection and storage, including potential applications for reporting stock data and sharing lobster fishers' insights on stock assessment and management.

Contact

Nathalie Steins

Name
Nathalie Steins
Organisation
Wageningen Marine Research
Phone number
+31 317 480 100