When he received the most recent issue of Hatchery International, SMAST Professor Brad Stevens was surprised to find himself on the cover. The cover story touted the successes of AKCRRAB, the Alaska King Crab Research, Rehabilitation, and Biology Program, of which Stevens was a founding investigator, and to which he continues to contribute on a consulting basis. The program is seeking to boost the long-depressed king crab fishery through the introduction of hatchery-raised juveniles. This year, AKCRRAB produced 40,000 juveniles from hatched larvae, a tenfold increase over last year’s success rate. At SMAST, Stevens is considering the application of some of the same techniques to a species of more economic impact to this region: the American lobster.
Tag Archives: Lobster
Bigelow Latest “How-To Hero”
Her chosen career track of lobster biologist doesn’t seem to interfere with her enjoyment of the arthropods with lemon butter. In fact, SMAST graduate student Talia Bigelow has an edge on most of us when it comes to fully exploiting the culinary opportunities presented by a freshly boiled lobster: she is guided by her in-depth knowledge of the animal’s anatomy and physiology. In a currently featured video on the website “how2heroes,” Talia offers an entertaining mix of zoology, consumer advice, and, “how to get every last piece of succulent meat out of a lobster.” To view the video, click here.
Stevens Awarded Pair of UMass Grants
Two proposals by SMAST Prof. Bradley Stevens have been selected for funding for fiscal year 2009. Through “A University-Community Partnership for Shellfish Assessment and Management,” Stevens will assess stocks of local shellfish in partnership with local shellfish wardens to help them plan for optimum sustainable harvesting of the resource. The project will be conducted with the participation of students enrolled in the Survey Sampling class at SMAST. “The students’ educational experience will be enhanced through a real-world application,” Stevens commented, “while UMass Dartmouth and SMAST will be able to provide a public service to local communities.”
A second project, “Determining Metabolic Rates of Lobster Larvae” will quantify the oxygen use of lobster larvae, enabling scientists to determine more precisely how well the early life stages of lobster will thrive under changing oceanographic conditions. Funds for both projects will be provided through the Chancellor’s Research Fund and UMass Public Service Endowment.
SMAST Lobster Research Exhibited at MLA
SMAST researchers were among the exhibitors at the Mass Lobstermen’s Association 2008 Annual Weekend & Lobster Trade Show, January 31-February 3, at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis. Studies on shell disease, population surveys and restoration were presented, and scientists and lobstermen exchanged scientific and field information on these and other relevant topics. Prof. Brad Stevens, who organized the SMAST exhibit, said, “The Lobster Expo was a great opportunity for students and faculty to interact with the lobster industry, to share their research, and listen to the concerns of the fishing community. Hopefully, it will lead to improved communication and cooperation between scientists and fishermen.”