The Fourth International Stock Enhancement & Searanching

Theme C: Governance and the socio-economics of releases

18. RETURN ON INVESTMENT FOR A LOBSTER (HOMARUS AMERICANUS) ENHANCEMENT PROJECT IN ATLANTIC CANADA


Marcel LeBreton 1, Comeau M 2, Mallet M 3
1 EcoTec Consultants
2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada
3 Maritime Fishermen Union-Homarus Inc

An experimental lobster (Homarus americanus) hatchery project initiated by a harvesters’ association has produced and seeded over 1.2 million stage IV lobsters since 2002 in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL), Canada. Based on a Before-After-Control-Impact approach, the release of over 53,000 stage IV in 2004 significantly increased the 2005 1-yr lobster density in seeded reefs compared to controls, indicative of a good survival over the 1st winter. Furthermore, a significantly higher density for the 2-yr lobster in 2006 was also observed suggesting a good survival over several years of hatchery-reared animals after being released in the natural habitat. Using that information, a bio-economic model has been developed to assess the biological and economic benefits associated with lobster stock enhancement initiatives. The model has been used to calculate the return on investment (ROI) and economic impacts generated by an investment of $25,000 CDN to seed 100,000 stage IV. Results showed that this investment would on average increase landings by 18,288 kg and generate $144,471 over 10 years in increased revenues for harvesters, i.e., equivalent to a ROI of 18.4 %. The harvest and process of these lobsters would generate on average about 4.1 person-years of employment locally and 5.4 for Canada as a whole. The Gross Domestic Product generated would amount on average to $206,200 locally and $304,400 for Canada. Government tax revenues would, on average, reach $15,100 locally with an additional $38,200 for the Canadian government. Hence, simulations have shown significant economical benefits from the seeding of 100,000 stage IV lobsters. With this new information, harvesters’ associations can make informed decisions about the profitability of lobster seeding.