Lobster Research

About Our Lobster Research

The Wells Reserve research team is working to understand how aspects of lobster biology and ecology respond to a changing Gulf of Maine. As waters warm and new species expand into the region, understanding how the lobster population and fishery may change is key to ensuring a sustainable future for this iconic species. Our work addresses key questions about lobster reproductive biology, larval success, and responses to temperature and diet using both laboratory- and field-based approaches, with an eye towards developing novel methodologies for measuring how lobsters respond to changes in their environment.

Recent projects have included:

• Examining how warmer waters may impair the ability of lobster larvae to successfully reach nursery habitats
• Exploring how thermal preferences of female lobsters vary as their eggs develop
• Testing the effect of nutritional condition and temperature on egg clutch success
• Measuring how diet and activity patterns may impact nutritional condition across the region
• Working with the commercial lobster industry to understand the effects of stressors in the supply chain and how to ensure lobsters reach customers in good condition

Researchers at the Wells Reserve led a major review of lobster research published since 2000 and have helped develop best practices for handling lobsters in the commercial fishery and supply chain. We also provide guidance on hatching and rearing larval lobsters to support other research efforts.

Our research has been supported by grants from the National Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative and the NOAA Saltonstall-Kennedy grant program, among others.

Relevant Publications

Choi, J.G. J.T. Carloni, B.C. Gutzler, S.H. Jury, W.H. Watson, T.C. Lippmann, and J.S. Goldstein. 2025. Modeling directional swimming ability of American lobster (Homarus americanus) post-larvae and the influence on settlement location. Fisheries Oceanography. e70004. doi.org/10.1111/fog.70004.

Goldstein, J.S., B.C. Gutzler, A. Kough, J.T. Carloni, C. Guenther, A. Dayton, S.H. Jury, and W.H. Watson III. 2025. Review of American Lobster (Homarus americanus) Research Since 2000, Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture. doi: 10.1080/23308249.2025.251444054.

Gutzler, B.C., J.S. Goldstein, S.H. Jury, and W.H. Watson III. 2025. Biologger measurements lends insights into American lobster Homarus americanus (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) (Decapoda: Astacidea: Nephropidae) feeding in the wild. Journal of Crustacean Biology. 45: doi.org/10.1093/jcbiol/ruaf015.

Goldstein, J.S., R. Grizzle, and W.H. Watson III. 2025. Habitat composition influences residency and seasonal lobster movements in the Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire. Estuaries and Coasts. 48. doi.org/10.1007/s12237-024-01445-5.

Jury, S.H., B.C. Gutzler, J.S. Goldstein, J.T. Carloni, W.H. Watson. 2024. Behavioral thermoregulation of ovigerous American lobsters (Homarus americanus). Fisheries Research. 278: 107068. doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2024.107068.

Watson, W.H. III, B.C. Gutzler, J.S. Goldstein, and S.H. Jury. 2024. Effects of increasing water temperature on American lobster (Homarus americanus) metabolic rates using multiple approaches. Biological Bulletin. 245: doi.org/10.1086/730687.

Gutzler, B.C., S. Jury, J.S. Goldstein, and W.H. Watson III. 2023. A novel method for quantifying the attractiveness of lobster trap baits. Fisheries Research. 267: 106815.

Watson, W.H., S.H. Jury, B.C. Gutzler, T.C. Lippmann, J.G. Choi, J.T. Carloni, and J.S. Goldstein. 2023. How might climate change affect American lobsters? Frontiers for Young Minds. 11:1031267. doi: 10.3389/frym.2023.1031267.

Goldstein^, J.S., K.A. Zarrella Smith, and T.L. Pugh. 2022. Recent declines in American lobster fecundity in southern New England: drivers and implications. ICES J. Marine Science. 79: 1662-1679.

Carloni, J.T., J.S. Goldstein, and W.H. Watson III. 2021. Movement and activity patterns of acoustically monitored egg-bearing American lobsters, Homarus americanus. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 661: 163-173.

Moore, E.M., T.G. Langley, J.S. Goldstein, and W.H. Watson III. 2020. American lobster, Homarus americanus, reproduction and recruitment in a New England Estuary. Estuaries & Coasts. doi.org/10.1007/s12237-020-00759-4.

Contacts

Dr. Jason Goldstein, Research Director
Dr. Ben Gutzler, Research Scientist