1988-2011 Stebbing et al. British records of American lobsters, Homarus americanus
Citation
2224: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth Laboratory (CEFAS) (2024): 1988-2011 Stebbing et al. British records of American lobsters, Homarus americanus. v1.1. Marine Biological Association. Dataset/Samplingevent. 10.17031/663a2443b6f9d https://doi.org/10.17031/663a2443b6f9d accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-12-15.Description
American lobsters (Homarus americanus) are native to the east coast of North American and Canada, but have been imported live into Europe for several decades resulting in their escape into the wild. American lobsters have the potential to have a significant impact on the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) fisheries in Europe, but the status of American lobsters is not well understood, especially in Great Britain (GB) where reports have been sporadic. Reports were collated from across GB of American lobsters being caught in coastal waters. Between 1988 and 2011, 26 individuals have been positively identified using standard taxonomic techniques. American lobsters were found predominantly in waters off southern England, with no confirmed reports from Wales and a single report from Scotland. However, there are anecdotal reports of American lobsters being found in much greater numbers from around GB. The potential threat that American lobsters pose to fisheries in GB and the rest of Europe is discussed along with recommendations to better estimate the numbers of animals being released.Taxonomic Coverages
Geographic Coverages
Bibliographic Citations
Contacts
originator2224: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth Laboratory (CEFAS)
GB
metadata author
The archive for marine species and habitats data (DASSH)
Plymouth
GB
email: dassh.enquiries@MBA.ac.uk
administrative point of contact
The archive for marine species and habitats data (DASSH)
Plymouth
GB
email: dassh.enquiries@MBA.ac.uk