LI Sound lobsters suffering from shell disease
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — Scientists say they’re not sure why about 30 percent of lobsters in eastern Long Island Sound have a disease that’s causing their shells to waste away.
Researchers say the main question is why the lobsters can’t defend themselves against the bacterial attack of shell disease, which doesn’t affect their meat but usually lands them in canning factories because of their unsightly shells.
Hans Laufer, a University of Connecticut research professor of molecular and cellular biology, told the Connecticut Post that chemicals known as alkylphenols that are used to make plastics and detergents are being found in lobster body tissues.
Laufer says the chemicals are toxic and interfere with lobsters’ shell development.
Other scientists are looking at bacterial agents.
Out East Show: Shrine of Our Lady of the Island, Browder's Birds & Sheep Shearing, and Bennett Shellfish in Montauk NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes you to a few special places 'Out East'
Out East Show: Shrine of Our Lady of the Island, Browder's Birds & Sheep Shearing, and Bennett Shellfish in Montauk NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes you to a few special places 'Out East'
