What Do We Do?
The AVC Lobster Science Centre develops and maintains many research projects to ensure the overall health of lobsters. In fact, our research is conducted in response to the needs of the industry now and in preparation for the future. Every year, several millions of dollars are lost due to disease or stress; through our research, we hope to overcome some of the health issues responsible for these losses.
From the use of state-of-the-art equipment to our highly qualified laboratory technicians, biologists, veterinarians and scientists, we are committed to making a difference for the lobster industry and related sectors and to guarantee that the health of our lobster and economy remains strong. The AVCLSC provides a credible, confidential and independent research team to meet the scientific needs of the lobster industry.
Why is the research important?
The average landed value of Atlantic Canada’s lobster catch now amounts to an estimated 1 billion dollars. This figure increases substantially when returns to post-harvest sectors (meat processing plants, live shippers/dealers, food service industries, and other stakeholders) are considered.
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What is going on in the lobster life cycle?
In preparation for moulting, muscle mass (meat content) decreases to allow the animal to extract itself from its old shell. After the moult, the new soft shell must be re-mineralised and the lost muscle tissue regenerated. At this point, the lobster has ‘recovered’ from the moult and will be a top quality product for harvesting and later resale as live or processed product.
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What are the project components to be developed?
The lab-based component of the program will begin with the application of emerging, state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques...
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Research Opportunities
The AVC Lobster Science Centre team is dedicated to lobster health. If you have a specific topic in mind or just a general idea for a research project, the AVC Lobster Science Centre may be there to help. If you would like to find out more about Research Projects Opportunities in collaboration with the AVC Lobster Science Centre, please contact the Chief Operating Officer.
Graduate Studies and Research Opportunities
We invite highly qualified applicants who are veterinarians or biologists to apply for graduate training programs in lobster health at the MSc and PhD levels. The project "Building Research and Development Capacity for the Canadian Lobster Industry through the AVC Lobster Science Centre™" encompasses various aspects of basic and applied lobster health research.
For more information contact our Cheif Operating Officer and the AVC Graduate Studies Department. Contact information is available here
