Connecticut Lobsters Rebound

The program is called "v notching" (See Photo) and lobster fisherman have been working with local aquaculture schools and programs aimed at helping the lobster population in the Long Island Sound recover.

The female lobsters are the egg bearers, by keeping more females out in their habitat the expected result was that more new lobsters would be born. Just as the program was intended, the notch of which does not hurt the lobster in any way, was able to accurately boost the population to safe and sustainable levels.

Aquaculture Students trap lobsters, identify the females and put a V shaped notch on their tail. When fisherman see these marked lobsters they throw them back to comply with the law. The program, now touted as a success by industry scholars and fishermen, has helped the lobster population recover from its troubling decline as early as 10 years ago.

Had this program not been effective, more restrictions and laws could have been imposed. These laws would have required fisherman to throw back more smaller lobsters and only allowed for the fishing of larger ones. These sizes are determined by a measuring device that measures across the backs of the fish.

This program is a fine example that we can use our will and determination to preserve species of animals in the sound. This effort was only achieved by strong cohesion and teamwork between environmental agencies, students, teachers and the lobster fishermen themselves. Milford retains a state and Federal research laboratory operated by NOAA located on the inlet of Milford Harbor.