Publication Abstract

The artificial reef project, Poole Bay: Lobster population studies

Collins, R.C.A. Bannister, A.C. Jensen, N. DePauw and J. Joyce (compilers)

An experimental artificial reef has been constructed in western Poole Bay. The structure consists of 8 conical units of randomly stacked blocks, 1 m high by 4-5 m across. The site is an area of flat sandy seabed (10 m below chart datum) some 3 km distant fromthe nearest rocky area. Within 3 weeks of construction lobsters (Homarus gammarus) appeared on the site and were subsequently routinely seen by divers. In order to estimate the reef population and residence time a tagging programme was started in 1990, initially using claw, T-bar and streamer tags. Animals were captured in parlour pots set by each of the 8 reef units. The pots were normally fished for two days each week through the summer. Caught animals were measured, tagged and returned to the reef of capture. A number of lobsters were repeatedly caught giving an indication of total population (estimated at 16-24) and movement between reef units.

Reference:

Collins, R.C.A. Bannister, A.C. Jensen, N. DePauw and J. Joyce (compilers), 1991. The artificial reef project, Poole Bay: Lobster population studies. Aquaculture and the Environment., 1991, pp. 72-73, Special Publication, European Aquaculture Society no. 14.