Testing the responses of lobsters to sustainable new baits

The American lobster Homarus americanus is the most valuable seafood resource in Canada, accounting for over one third of all seafood production. Typically, lobsters are captured in baited traps using fish, with the specific bait varying by region and harvester. In Eastern Canada, herring and mackerel are most often used. Harvesters have to purchase bait, and costs have increased substantially in recent years as fish stocks have declined. In some cases, fisheries have even been closed due to overfishing, making traditional bait not only more expensive, but also environmentally unsustainable. The search for alternative, sustainable baits is therefore imperative. Oberland Agriscience is currently producing insect protein for animal feed and as an alternative protein source for humans. They are now beginning to investigate whether this material could also be used as an alternative, sustainable lobster bait. The intern will investigate lobsters’ behavioural responses and preferences to both the currently used fish baits and Oberland’s new insect-based bait recipes. These initial lab-based experiments are intended to pave the way for field trials to confirm the laboratory findings. If successful, the new bait would represent an important new product for Oberland and provide harvesters with a new sustainable lobster bait.

Faculty Supervisor:

Iain McGaw;Russell Wyeth

Student:

Partner:

Oberland Agriscience

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: