Lobster Research
The focus of most of our lobster research is on trying to understand how their behavior, physiology and ecology in their natural habitat. We use the latest technologies to study their activities in the ocean and estuaries and then we compare our findings with predictions we make based upon what we learn about their sensory and motor systems in the laboratory. Currently we are investigating: 1) lobster homing behavior; 2) the seasonal movements of berried females; 3) how their thermal preferences influence their movements; 4) their abilities to produce and hear sounds; 5) their biological rhythms and; 6) their feeding behavior in their natural habitat.
We are also interested in making sure managers have the best information available about lobster biology so they can appropriately adjust regulations to make sure the fishery remains sustainable. For example, we study the effectiveness of lobster traps and determine if they provide an accurate assessment of the density of lobsters on the ocean floor. We are also developing new types of lobster traps that can better capture small lobsters and thus provide a better index of their abundance.
Nudibranch Neurobiology and Behavior
Nudibranches are often studied by neurobiologists because they have very large, identifiable, neurons that are very amenable to neurophysiological investigations. Our studies of the nudibranch, Melibe leonina, center around their rhythmic behaviors, such as feeding and swimming. We seek to identify the neural circuits that generate the behaviors as well as the neurons and hormones that modulate the expression of these behaviors.
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Horseshoe Crab Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior
Our horseshoe crab research efforts are focused on:
- Understanding the biological clocks that control their tidal rhythms and circadian rhythms.
- Learning more about the factors that synchronize these rhythms to the natural cycles in their environment and determining how their long-term seasonal migrations serve to enhance their survival in the estuary.
- Conducting annual spawning surveys to keep track of the Great Bay Estuary population and also gain insight into the factors that influence when and how often they spawn.
- Determining the impacts that bleeding horseshoe crabs for LAL has on their behavior and physiology.
- Developing baits for the whelk fishery that can replace horseshoe crabs.