ABOUT LOBSTERS 105 



as the one given here. In addition, this bulletin gives this 



information: 



The optimum for salinity for lobsters is from 2.9 

 to 3.5%. The salinity of the Schmaltz formula is 3.4 per 

 cent. Before placing lobsters in the solution, check with 

 your local water department to see whether there is 

 any residual chlorine in the water. Chlorine is toxic to 

 lobsters at .1 part per million. This can be corrected, 

 if it exists, by passing the water through an activated 

 charcoal filter or by recirculating the water for two 

 hours. 



Only vigorous lobsters should be stored in recir- 

 culated systems. Generally, it is not difficult to obtain 

 such lobsters during the cold months. However, during 

 the period of July through October, one cannot depend 

 upon receiving vigorous lobsters. During this period 

 many of the lobsters have recently passed through the 

 enervating moulting process. Furthermore, they are 

 much more likely to have been exposed to adverse con- 

 ditions of crowding and high temperatures during the 

 pre-shipment storage. They should be carefully graded 

 with only the most lively-appearing chosen for ship- 

 ment. They should be packed and handled as care- 

 fully as if they were eggs. 



Even with such care during the July to October 

 period, loss will sometimes occur, but without careful 

 treatment during this period, serious loss is almost cer- 

 tain to occur. Therefore, it is essential to find a firm 

 which specializes in supplying lobsters to recirculating 

 systems. There are several in Maine. The names of 

 these can be obtained from the Department of Sea and 

 Shore Fisheries. 



The excellent " do's " and " don'ts " from this bulletin 

 follow: 



