I generally leave the large bugs alone. However, I decided to start relocating the larger lobster to the MLPA areas (marine reserves) that go into effect 1/2012. These areas will be no take zones for lobster. Large lobster help keep the urchin population under control. A big problem in some zones.
Happy hunting!
I need to come up and dive there as I never grabbed a bug over 7 lb. I'll give them a ride in my cooler if you need a friend.:D
Cheers, Don
Did you remember to hold the big lobsters underwater vertically to remove all of the trapped air in their carapace before you released them?
Trapped air in their carapace can cause those big lobsters to die, by drying out their gills. It could be a couple weeks, but they will die from it. Chris Oak has seen it happen to big lobsters at his aquarium.
Did you remember to hold the big lobsters underwater vertically to remove all of the trapped air in their carapace before you released them?
Trapped air in their carapace can cause those big lobsters to die, by drying out their gills. It could be a couple weeks, but they will die from it. Chris Oak has seen it happen to big lobsters at his aquarium.
Thank you Daniel :thumbsup2: I didn't know that, but I have never given one a ride to a new hooch.
Cheers, Don
I need to come up and dive there as I never grabbed a bug over 7 lb. I'll give them a ride in my cooler if you need a friend.:D
Cheers, Don
Sure thing, I don't SCUBA. free dive only during the day. Come get some.
Did you remember to hold the big lobsters underwater vertically to remove all of the trapped air in their carapace before you released them?
Trapped air in their carapace can cause those big lobsters to die, by drying out their gills. It could be a couple weeks, but they will die from it. Chris Oak has seen it happen to big lobsters at his aquarium.
Thats pretty standard practice along with a few others to insure 100% success.
Why do you relesase them? Are endangered? Protected? Not good to eat?
Sorry for the ignorance, but there's always something to learn out there.
Why do you relesase them? Are endangered? Protected? Not good to eat?
Sorry for the ignorance, but there's always something to learn out there.
California lobsters aren't endangered or protected. What Mike is doing is picking up the big bugs and moving them to an underwater zone that protects all living organisms, a no take zone.
IMO there is no real ecological benefit to move the big bugs to a newly created protected zone, because those zones after 20-30 years will be packed full of monster sized bugs that have grown inside those zones, without human intervention.
I'd guess the rational would be emotionally based. Since you feel good about saving one more big bug from getting eaten by another diver.
Thats pretty standard practice along with a few others to insure 100% success.
Sweet glad you knew.
If I get some time I will pull together some data on the lobster fishery and some studies on the breeding stock.
Sure I'd love to see any data you can put together. It's always fun to learn more about the things I catch.
If I get some time I will pull together some data on the lobster fishery and some studies on the breeding stock.
I would love to see that personally. Please share when you have time.
I need to come up and dive there as I never grabbed a bug over 7 lb. I'll give them a ride in my cooler if you need a friend.:D
Cheers, Don
Hi Don,
I can take you somewhere loaded with 10# bugs. Please PM me.
-Al
Hi Don,
I can take you somewhere loaded with 10# bugs. Please PM me.
-Al
Aquariums don't count Al....
JK dude. Good luck out there!
I generally leave the large bugs alone. However, I decided to start relocating the larger lobster to the MLPA areas (marine reserves) that go into effect 1/2012. These areas will be no take zones for lobster. Large lobster help keep the urchin population under control. A big problem in some zones.
Happy hunting!
What damage is the urchin population causing? I am not familiar with the Cali ecosystem but I know the lack of the urchin is a huge reason for the decline of coral cover in S. FL and the Keys as they are grazers and consume algae that smothers the reefs. As far as I know there has been no real indicator of what caused their decline here. I know that urchin also eat kelp though, is that what you are attempting to circumvent? But I would caution against adjusting or altering marine ecosystems without a good scientific base for it as what seems like a good idea on the surface could cause a trophic cascade effect that was unintentional but ultimately bad/counterproductive for the ecosystem. Also some MPAs are not just no take zones but it is also illegal to alter the area in any way including adding species. From how far away are you bringing these lobster? There could be a good reason they are not there already, especially considering a viable food source like the urchin.
On a side note I wasn't aware that lobster ate urchin.
To the best of my knowledge the urchins eat the kelp steadfasts which anchore the kelp to the rocks or reef and if their numbers arn't kept in check they can tun areas into deserts .
What damage is the urchin population causing? I am not familiar with the Cali ecosystem but I know the lack of the urchin is a huge reason for the decline of coral cover in S. FL and the Keys as they are grazers and consume algae that smothers the reefs. As far as I know there has been no real indicator of what caused their decline here. I know that urchin also eat kelp though, is that what you are attempting to circumvent? But I would caution against adjusting or altering marine ecosystems without a good scientific base for it as what seems like a good idea on the surface could cause a trophic cascade effect that was unintentional but ultimately bad/counterproductive for the ecosystem. Also some MPAs are not just no take zones but it is also illegal to alter the area in any way including adding species. From how far away are you bringing these lobster? There could be a good reason they are not there already, especially considering a viable food source like the urchin.
On a side note I wasn't aware that lobster ate urchin.
Google "urchin barrens and lobster". Lots of good info. Thanks for your input.
Google "urchin barrens and lobster". Lots of good info. Thanks for your input.
I know that they tend to eat the kelp and in large numbers can lead to barren areas. Was the area being deemed an MPA soon a heavily hunted area for bugs? But I hope that works man, I know kelp is a vital part of the ecosystem there as well. Actually never dove in Kelp; always wanted to though. Cheers.
I know that they tend to eat the kelp and in large numbers can lead to barren areas. Was the area being deemed an MPA soon a heavily hunted area for bugs? But I hope that works man, I know kelp is a vital part of the ecosystem there as well. Actually never dove in Kelp; always wanted to though. Cheers.
Yes. The urchins are an issue but its not entirely due to over harvesting of bugs. Teams of divers with the Santa Monica Baykeepers ( Santa Monica Baykeeper ) actively remove urchins by the thousands to help with kelp restoration. I believe that these lobsters contribution to reef health is more important than my culinary enjoyment of the species. I have no interest in mounting the bug as a trophy. Its a personal choice.
Aquariums don't count Al....
JK dude. Good luck out there!
Nope not an aquarium (amazingly enough). To boot, I've taken many in my hands, showed them to Izabella and put them back for her (someday).
Nope not an aquarium (amazingly enough). To boot, I've taken many in my hands, showed them to Izabella and put them back for her (someday).
That is really cool, I saw her with you at one of the MPLA meetings. It look's like I may lose much of my bug grounds in Laguna and I don't think I trust my self going down the cliff up north at night.
Thanks for the invite, will PM you late this weekend.:thumbsup2:
Cheers, Don
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