OA in Canada Species Impacts: American Lobster
- OA CoP
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
Our latest poster on OA in Canada Species Impacts is here, featuring the American lobster! Browse or download a high-resolution printable version and feel free to share widely! Poster text is provided below.
Download our full-resolution, printable version:
More about the OA in Canada Species Impacts Series:
To summarize the current knowledge of OA impacts on species in Canada, the OA CoP has produced a poster series on how species are impacted by OA in Canada. The information presented here is based on the most current scientific literature (peer-reviewed, published papers) of studies conducted in Canada. We also highlight current gaps in our knowledge and areas that require additional research across Canada. These infographics are intended not only to highlight concerning OA impacts on important species in Canada, but are also meant to act as catalysts to support filling the gaps in our knowledge of OA impacts to species across Canada.
Poster Text:
OA in Canada Species Impacts: American Lobster
Fast Facts:
Scientific name: Homarus americanus
Range: Atlantic Canada and US
Lifestyle: rocky-sandy seafloor, eats shellfish and other invertebrates
Canada’s most valuable fishery ($1.8B in 20231)
~39% of all seafood industry values in Canada (~50% for Atlantic Canada)1
OA Impacts in Canada (table):
Overall | Calcification | Growth | Survival/ Abundance | Reproduction | Physiological | |
Larval | Mixed (▼ - NE) | ? | Mixed (▼ - NE) | Mixed (▼ - NE) | N/A | ▼ |
Juvenile | ▼ | ? | ▼ | ▼ | N/A | ▼ |
Adult | ▼ | ? | ▼ | ▼ | ? | ▼ |
Only 5 OA studies of lobster conducted in Canada2-6
Overall, OA negatively impacts lobsters
Growth and survival are reduced by OA, particularly during juvenile life stages3,5,6
Models show OA negatively impacts lobster population density6
OA impacts to lobsters being studied by DFO (St. Andrews Biological Station, NB, Quebec region)
Current Gaps:
OA impacts to lobster reproduction?
OA impacts to lobster calcification?
Uncertainty in OA impacts to larval stages?
Citations:
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