Lobster Blight in Long Island Sound

During the years 1998 and 1999, a blight struck the lobster population in the Long Island Sound and an estimated 75% of the mature lobsters were killed off. Prior to the blight, there was a high level of abundance of lobsters and the number of active, licensed Connecticut lobstermen totaled about 360. Now, there are 187.

The cause of the blight is disputed. Many are convinced that the lobster population collapsed due to pesticide-laden runoff following aggressive mosquito control measures during West Nile virus scares. Whatever the cause, the lobsters have yet to rebound to pre-blight levels.

In order to stave off a complete crash of the lobster fishery and to encourage replenishment, the Connecticut Marine Fisheries Division is boosting the minimum legal size for lobsters caught in the Sound. Effective July 1,

[T]he minimum "gauge" size for lobsters in Long Island Sound will increase from 3.28 inches to 3.31 inches, measured from the eye sockets to the tail. Smaller lobsters must be thrown back.

An attempt by the Connecticut fisheries manager to increase the minimum size to 3.375 inches was overruled. For comparison, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island impose a 3.375 inches minimum. Maine has the most liberal requirement of 3.25 inches.

All in all, it's nice to know at least part of the reason that lobsters are so pricey.