PREFACE 



In this volume, surveys of the distribution and relative abundance of American lobster, 

 Homarus americanus, larvae conducted in New England during 1974-79 are described. The 

 results of eight individual investigations, ranging from 1 to 4 yr in duration, conducted by 

 members of an Ad Hoc Larval Lobster Working Group are provided. In addition, the relative 

 sampling efficiency of neuston nets and Tucker trawls with respect to lobster larvae is ex- 

 amined. 



As an introduction to this volume, factors influencing the diurnal, vertical, and spatial 

 distribution of lobster larvae are reviewed, providing background for interpretation of the 

 results of our investigations and obviating the need for extensive reviews within each paper. 

 The results of these studies are then synthesized in an overview paper which precedes the in- 

 dividual research reports in this volume. 



The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) does not approve, rec- 

 ommend or endorse any proprietary product or proprietary material 

 mentioned in this publication. No reference shall be made to NMFS, or 

 to this publication furnished by NMFS, in any advertising or sales pro- 

 motion which would indicate or imply that NMFS approves, recommends 

 or endorses any proprietary product or proprietary material mentioned 

 herein, or which has as its purpose an intent to cause directly or indirectly 

 the advertised product to be used or purchased because of this NMFS 

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