Mysterious Lobster Shell Disease Spreading

So far it is located in New England. IF it is
a pollution cause illness, it will remain there.
The same type of lobster (Homard) exists along
the Atlantic Coast in Europe, especially Bretagne.

Earl

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Mysterious Lobster Shell Disease Spreading

By RICHARD C. LEWIS, Associated Press Writer

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. - A disease that rots lobsters' shells and can kill the
crustaceans now affects 30 percent of lobsters along the New England coast,
decimating the industry in many areas, scientists said Wednesday.

The disease's cause and how it spreads remain a mystery, though theories are
emerging and the scientists said they will seek state and federal money for
further studies.

The disease does not taint the lobsters' meat, but makes the shells too
unsightly to serve whole. It can weaken lobsters so much that some die
prematurely.

Researchers in the region first noticed shell disease in the 1980s, with
shells marked by little black spots. But in recent years, the researchers
said, shells have become fully enveloped by the disease, and in the worst
cases have rotted entirely.

Scientists said trawl and trap studies show egg-carrying females are most
susceptible to the disease. The studies also show lobsters living in warmer
waters appear to contract the disease more readily.

Hans Laufer, a professor emeritus of molecular and cell biology at the
University of Connecticut, said he believes lobsters may contract the
disease from alkylphenols, chemicals that are byproducts from industrial
sources.

Laufer stressed that his studies were just preliminary.

Another scientist, Roxanna Smolowitz of the marine biological laboratory at
Woods Hole, Mass., said bacteria attach themselves to the lobster's shell
and begin to penetrate inward.

In 1999, the lobster industry in Rhode Island generated $30 million and
employed 425 fisherman, according to Mark Gibson of the state Department of
Environmental Management. Four years later, the industry produced $16.7
million and employed 279.

"Something's happening before they get to us, and that's what we need to
know," said Mike Merchant, president of the Rhode Island Lobsterman's
Association.

The symposium was hosted by the University of Rhode Island's Sea Grant
program.

Following up to Earl Evleth

Hans Laufer, a professor emeritus of molecular and cell biology at the
University of Connecticut, said he believes lobsters may contract the
disease from alkylphenols, chemicals that are byproducts from industrial
sources.

we certainly don't want that in Scotland!
--
Mike Reid
Wasdale-Thames path-London-photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" -- you can email us@ this site
Eat-walk-Spain "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" -- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap

Following up to Earl Evleth

Hans Laufer, a professor emeritus of molecular and cell biology at the
University of Connecticut, said he believes lobsters may contract the
disease from alkylphenols, chemicals that are byproducts from industrial
sources.

we certainly don't want that in Scotland!
--
Mike Reid
Wasdale-Thames path-London-photos "http://www.fellwalk.co.uk" -- you can email us@ this site
Eat-walk-Spain "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk" -- dontuse@ all, it's a spamtrap