Lobster larvae depend on calorie-rich plankton, study finds
University of Maine researchers found that lobster larvae preferentially feed on Calanus finmarchicus, a tiny zooplankton, during a critical developmental stage. The availability of this food source is declining as its range shifts northward, which may relate to recent drops in Maine's lobster harvest. The study was published in Elem Sci Anth.
The study from the University of Maine highlights a specific dietary link in the lobster life cycle. During a crucial growth phase, larval lobsters show a clear preference for Calanus finmarchicus, a small but energy-dense zooplankton. This targeted feeding behavior suggests the species is not a generalist consumer at this stage, but rather depends on a particular prey item for survival and development.
The findings carry particular weight because the plankton's habitat is shifting. As ocean conditions change, Calanus finmarchicus is moving toward cooler northern waters, reducing its availability in the Gulf of Maine. This decline in a key food source may be one factor behind the recent reduction in the region's lobster landings, tying a microscopic organism to a major commercial fishery.
This research could have significant ripple effects for Maine's coastal economy, where lobster fishing is a cornerstone industry. If the plankton's northward retreat continues, larval survival may decline, potentially leading to smaller future harvests and financial strain on fishing communities. The study may also inform how scientists track ecosystem health, using plankton abundance as an early warning sign. Policymakers and fishery managers could use such data to anticipate shifts, though the full impact remains uncertain.