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Marine Ecology Progress Series

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MEPS 439:193-201 (2011)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09322

Spatial scaling from latitudinal gradients: size‑specific fecundity in the American lobster Homarus americanus

Jens J. Currie1,*, David C. Schneider2

1Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland A1C 5S7, PO Box 4200, Canada
2Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Marine Lab Road, St. John’s, Newfoundland A1C 5S7, Canada

ABSTRACT: Estimates of key population parameters are required to evaluate conservation or management measures, but are often available at only a few locations within the range of a species. We assembled all available estimates of a single parameter (fecundity as a function of size) in the lobster Homarus americanus to develop a large-scale model applicable throughout the species’ range. In this species, a 2-parameter power function, F = aLb, is used to describe the relationship of fecundity F to carapace length L. There was a well-defined latitudinal gradient in the allometric (power law) exponent b, with the smaller values at the northern end of the species’ range. The allometric exponent b decreased at a rate of 8.6% per degree of latitude, from southern New England to the northern end of the range (Newfoundland). The scaling factor a increased at a rate of 491 eggs per degree of latitude, as estimated at a carapace length of 85 mm. Fecundity can be estimated from this large-scale model at any location throughout much of the species’ range. Data archiving allows re-estimation of parameters when better methods become available, and also allows large-scale models of population parameters to be developed.


KEY WORDS: American lobster · Fecundity · Statistical model · Egg production · Management · Conservation


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Cite this article as: Currie JJ, Schneider DC (2011) Spatial scaling from latitudinal gradients: size‑specific fecundity in the American lobster Homarus americanus. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 439:193-201. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09322

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