Aquaculture Impact Mitigation and Lobster Reintroduction Practices

bogavante en arrecife_ Manuel E. Garci - Pablo Sanchez-Jerez

Restored Species: Homarus gammarus and soft bottom benthic ecosystems

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Main Stressor: Aquaculture

Practices for Aquaculture Impact Mitigation and Lobster Reintroduction Restoration

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Assessment Phase
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Planning and Design Phase
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Implementation Phase
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Monitoring and Evaluation Phase
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Stakeholder Engagement
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Assessment Phase

Consider historical abundance of populations

    • Review available fisheries records, scientific surveys, and local ecological knowledge to reconstruct past lobster population levels 1

Consider causes of decline

    • Identify key drivers such as overfishing, habitat degradation, climate change, and pollution 2,3

Assess the current status of lobsters in the target area

    • Examples: densities, habitat quality, and environmental pressures 4

If lacking or inconsistent historical records, use the following to guide planning

    • Structured ecological assessments
    • Participatory monitoring
    • Traditional ecological knowledge from small-scale fisheries 
lobster 1
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Planning and Design Phase

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Consider several key factors when selecting a restoration site

    • Habitat suitability
    • Water quality
    • Hydrodynamics
    • Food availability
    • Existing lobster presence
    • Protection status
    • Accessibility

Whenever possible, lobsters should originate from the target restoration area to preserve local traits 5

Broodstock collection should prioritise large effective population sizes with rotational breeding strategies 6

Plan for regular assessment of genetic diversity in released populations 7

Best practices for selecting and managing broodstock

    • Health screen 8,9
    • Diverse size classes 10
    • Balanced sex ratios 11,12
    • Origin documentation 7
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Implementation Phase

Utilise special hatchery facilities required to produce juveniles

Integrate elements of environmental enrichment and microbial communities to support development of wild traits

Choose releasing ages and habitats that are compatible to maximise population establishment

Elements to consider for successful releasing

    • Temperature acclimation 26
    • Handling tolerance training 27,28
    • Seasonal timing: Spring or early summer with water temperatures above 12 degrees Celsius 23
    • Optimal substrates
    • Predation risk 21
    • Critical to avoid suboptimal areas

Plan transporation adapted to minimising stress, dehydration, and handling of smaller individuals

Release techniques

    1. Direct seabed placement by divers
      • Preferred method
    2. Phased introduction using temporary protective structures
      • Promotes shelter-seeking behavior during the most vulnerable post-release period 35
    3. Surface release
      • Only for larger juveniles
      • Must be in sheltered, shallow habitats that are immediately accessible
artificial reefs underwater
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Monitoring and Evaluation Phase

Choose appropriate monitoring methods

Develop success criteria for each of the stages of monitoring

Implement a robust data management plan

  • Use standardised protocols
  • Use digital tools to minimise errors
  • Maintain a centralised, secure database
  • Apply appropriate statistical methods that account for environmental variability and baseline conditions
  • Consider developing modelling approaches

Follow an adaptive management framework

  • Set expectations, but remain flexible to changes found through monitoring
  • Regularly review monitoring data to update protocols
  • Adjust strategies and methods from results of monitoring
  • Maintain stakeholder engagement throughout the entire project

Examples of Indicators

artificial_reef_census copia - Pablo Sanchez-Jerez
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Stakeholder Engagement

Engagement is critical to success and long-term viability of lobster restoration

Establish clear governance structures and communication channels

Co-production of knowledge with stakeholders can enhance legitimacy and effectiveness of restoration

Click on the diagram above to learn about who to engage throughout the restoration project!

45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51

Useful Contacts

Pablo Sanchez Jerez

pablo sanchez jul 24

University of Alicante

Laura Leyva

LAURALEYVA

University of Alicante

Paula Daban Losada

PAULA DABAN

University of Vigo

References

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