Early benthic phase european lobsters (homarus gammarus), where are you?

The Eastern Scheldt has an extensive lobster fishery for the European lobster (Homarus gammarus). There is some knowledge about the distribution of adult lobsters based on catch data and observations by recreational divers. However, the early benthic phase (EBP) lobsters have never been observed in the field. Laboratory experiments have shown that they hide in gravel but also are able to dig tubes in mud. To gain more insight into the possible whereabouts of these tiny lobsters, additional experiments are performed to study their substrate preference. You will perform choice experiments to test the preference for gravel or mud. Several size fractions of gravel will be tested. Next to the experiments, a literature study will be carried out to seek information on the possible hiding places of the EBP lobsters in natural waters. The outcome of the experiments maybe used for the future design of foreshores of dikes in the Eastern Scheldt, to create a suitable substrate for juvenile lobsters.

Research type: Desk and laboratory research

Research level: Internship

Prerequisite: Interest in aquatic ecology