By Robert (Bob) Glenn, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
Thursday June 3rd, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Room CVPA 153 Visual and Performing Arts Building (GroupVI)
UMASS Dartmouth, Dartmouth MA 02747

Industry members participating in the southern New England lobster fishery are invited to attend a presentation on the status and trends of the Massachusetts’ southern New England lobster fishery. DMF Senior Biologist Bob Glenn is the leading lobster biologist for the Commonwealth and a member of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Lobster Technical Committee.

Bob will present his findings from recent studies of lobster abundance and distribution in the inshore and near shore waters off Massachusetts south coast area. These results have been incorporated into the region-wide stock assessment conducted by a team of state and federal scientists. Based on the findings of this team, substantial reductions in the fisheries are being considered.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will be convening to address the stock decline and possible management responses at a special meeting in Providence, RI on July 22nd and at their subsequent quarterly meeting in Alexandria, VA on August 2nd.

DMF has scheduled this meeting specifically to inform the public about the findings and to discuss them in an open and informal setting - well in advance of the two upcoming ASMFC meetings. DMF deputy Director will also be in attendance and explain the ASMFC process and timelines.