I’ve begun to shift some of my research emphasis to the lobster fishery. I’m developing models to explain what would happen if we changed the amount of fishing effort and when it takes place. A socioeconomic survey of the lobster industry that I worked on a few years ago showed that the profitability of the lobster fishery was low and that many lobstermen were highly vulnerable to a downturn in the fishery. A crisis was already looming due to rising fuel prices, and then the economic crash in October 2008 led to a big drop in price for lobster during the peak of the season. Many in the industry recognize the need to change the way the fishery is managed to increase profitability. My research will fill a gap by providing information for managers and fishermen about the consequences of various management changes.

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