1 min read

A STERNMAN HOLDS A LOBSTER caught off South Bristol in this undated file photo. While northern New England’s lobster industry has been strong this year, southern New England’s has been struggling.
A STERNMAN HOLDS A LOBSTER caught off South Bristol in this undated file photo. While northern New England’s lobster industry has been strong this year, southern New England’s has been struggling.
LITTLE COMPTON, R.I.

Regulators are taking another look at potential strategies to revitalize southern New England’s lobster population, which scientists say has sunk to its lowest levels on record.

The lobster management board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is planning to discuss possible solutions to the problem Aug. 4 in Alexandria, Virginia, near where the commission is based.

The commission’s members have expressed a desire to find new management options to increase egg production in southern New England lobsters by 20 to 60 percent.

Among the options being considered are reducing traps and shortening the fishing season so lobsters have time to reproduce. The population has declined in the face of warming oceans.

Lobster supply to consumers remains strong. Catch off of Maine and Canada have been consistent in recent years.


Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.