The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced July 10 that it will be studying the declining lobster population in the Long Island Sound.
Since 1998, lobster landings have decline from 3.7 million pounds to just 142,000 pounds in 2011.
“Lobsters and lobster fishing in Long Island Sound are an important part of the history and cultural identity of shoreline communities in this state,” said DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty in a press release. “We look forward to launching this study and sharing the results with everyone.”
The study will examine the possible role of stress factors, such as pesticides and water temperatures, and take advantage of technological advances to examine the issue. Results from of preliminary tests taken from the Sound this fall will assist in the study and Etsy said they will also be developing a screening process to monitor the vital signs of lobster health over time.
