The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced that it is planning to conduct a study to determine reasons for the Long Island Sound's declining lobster population.
According to the DEEP website, the study will look into effects of pesticides, water temperatures and chemical contaminants on the lobster population.
"We are now developing the procedures and protocols for a study that will rely on a Sound-wide sampling of lobsters and sophisticated laboratory tests to obtain a better understanding of why this species--and an industry it has historically supported--is now in danger of collapse in Long Island Sound," Daniel C. Esty, DEEP Commissioner, said in the article.
“We will also develop a screening--similar to an annual physical exam--to monitor the vital signs of lobster health over time."
According to the article, the Long Island Sound's lobster landings came down to only 142,000 pounds in 2011--back in 1998 the count was at 3.7 million pounds.
More infomation on the study is available on the DEEP website.
