The Maine Department of Marine Resources has appointed two new scientists to support existing and new research priorities.
Jesica Waller will be responsible for conducting biological studies on American lobster that will benefit the Department’s understanding of the resource and contribute to future stock assessments. She will also support a new collaborative lobster research initiative that is anticipated to help the Department respond and adapt to the changing Gulf of Maine ecosystem.
“This is a vital new position that will enhance existing monitoring work, and allow the department to focus on emerging research priorities,” said Maine Department of Marine Resources science bureau director Carl Wilson. “Jesica brings the academic and professional background necessary for the growth of our lobster research program.”
Resource assessment
Rebecca Peters will coordinate the Maine, New Hampshire in-shore trawl survey, conducted in spring and fall. The survey evaluates marine resources inside the coastal waters of Maine and New Hampshire. Groundfish, lobsters, recreational finfish species, and non-commercial species of ecological interest are assessed.
“Rebecca brings relevant, valuable experience to the in-shore trawl survey,” said Mr Wilson. “The trawl survey provides critically important data for issues such as fish stock recovery, fisheries management, Essential Fish Habitat designations, and adaptation to the changing ecosystem.”
