Tagging and migration of the American lobsterHomarus americanus

Three types of tags, external, internal, and sonic, have been used to study migration of the American lobster Homarus americanus. Tag loss and interpretation of returned tag data are serious problems associated with internal and external tags. Lobster tracking using sonic tags is still in the pilot stage. Lobster migration is redefined to include horizontal and vertical displacements. Depth of displacement is a more reasonable measurement of lobster migration than horizontal distance traveled. Two distinct lobster populations are discernable based on their ecological habitation and migratory behavior. Evidence in this review suggests that the deep‐sea lobster migrates, whereas the coastal lobster may move within a limited range.