LOBSTER RANCHING METHODS AND STRUCTURES

摘要

Methods and structures are provided for enhancing marine habitats for lobster and crab ranching (10). According to a first aspect of the invention, predators of at least adult lobster are excluded from a ranching area (14). According to a second aspect of the invention, the method includes arranging a plurality of artificial shelters (20) in at least one zigzag hedgerow (22), preferably parallel to normally prevailing ocean currents (22, 24). According to further aspects, the methods include providing artificial shelter (20) for at least the large juvenile and adult lobster at a marine location; providing an artificial benthic habitat for benthic phase juvenile lobster within at the marine location; and/or providing a settlement and nursery habitat for early benthic phase juvenile lobster to the marine location. According to a still further aspect, the methods preferably include vertically integrating the artificial shelter (20), the artificial benthic habitat, and the settlement and settlement habitat.