"Where Have All the Lobsters Gone?" • Dr. Susan Laramore About the Lecture - 2008 Both the Maine and Spiny lobster fisheries have seen a decreased catch in recent years. This translates to higher prices for the consumer and impacts recreational fishermen in South Florida during the ever popular lobster season. What has caused these lobster populations to plummet? Dr. Laramore will explore possible causes for this decline, which include environmental and disease issues. About the Speaker Dr. Susan Laramore is an Assistant Research Professor in Harbor BranchÕs Center for Aquaculture and Habitat Restoration. She is manager of the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory, which diagnoses fish and shellfish diseases. The laboratory also issues certificates of health for shrimp and bivalve hatcheries and farms in Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, and Texas and certificates for fish and shrimp feed manufacturers in the U.S. and the U.K. Dr. LaramoreÕs primary focus is disease diagnosis and prevention in aquaculture species, with a special emphasis on invertebrate species (shrimp, clams, and oysters). She works closely with another HBOI scientist, Dr. John Scarpa, on bivalve projects. Current projects include evaluating reproductive stages and potential in various bivalve species. Dr. Laramore received her A.S. from Southwestern Illinois College, a B.A. in Biology from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, an M.S. in Cell Biology at SIU-E, and a Ph.D. in Marine Molecular Biology at Florida Institute of Technology.

© 2008, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution