Pipeline project effect on lobster migration

[large_diver]

Article from today's Globe on a Mass. Bay pipeline project that may impact lobster migration....

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/149/metro/Pipeline_prompts_concern_for_lobsters+.shtml

 

[Spectre]

I forwarded the article to my resident lobster expert, who actually specializes in lobster migration studies. We'll have to see what she has to say.

 

[Spectre]

First off, there is actually a bigger project going on; there are plans on building a pipeline from Nova Scotia to Massachusetts; e.g. the entire American Lobster habitat. There is a meeting in June on that topic.

On the article specifically:

As far as my basic opinion on the topic...I would suppose it would mess stuff up but not majorly. I would think they would be "smart" enough to not get buried when the pipe is buried (I thought that was sort of an idiotic comment!) and in general would just climb over/under it to get where they were going. Isuppose it's possible that it will funnel them in slightly different directions but they have done displacement studies that showed you can move them 100s of miles and they find their way home...

She's going to dig some more and follow up.

 

[large_diver]

Thanks Jeff.

The article did make me wonder about the typical migratory habits of our local lobster population -- where they go during the winter -- depth and how far away they migrate.

 

[Spectre]

large_diver once bubbled...
where they go during the winter -- depth and how far away they migrate.

From what I understand, they don't go very far, but they go _deep_.

 

[Spectre]

Spectre once bubbled...
From what I understand, they don't go very far, but they go _deep_.

The better answer:

Depth of migration depends on coastal location...Here in New Hampshire, most lobsters that live in the estuary just migrate to out near shoals in winter. Lobsters that live out at Shoals may go out deeper. However, in many areas without coastal estuaries they will migrate out to deep trenches...that's where the dredging has been taking place that brings up all those HUGE lobs so that you can get a 5lber at Shaws now...I can ask around for specific depths...