Effect of aerial exposure on concentrations of selected metabolites in blood of the Norwegian lobsterNephrops norvegicus (Crustacea: Nephropidae)

The Norwegian lobsterNephrops norvegicus (L.) collected from Firth of Clyde, Scotland between December 1987 and March 1988, was unable to survive longer than 18 h experimental emersion at 10°C. During this time the partial pressure of oxygen (PO₂) in the venous blood decreased rapidly and the lobster supplemented cellular energy requirements by anaerobic metabolism. This was indicated by the rapid accumulation ofL-lactate in the blood. Although the survival rate increased (to ca 36 to 48 h) if lobsters were kept on ice, the accumulation ofL-lactate in the blood was not significantly different from lobsters at 10°C, despite the temperature difference. There was no indication thatN. norvegicus was able to further metabolize circulatingL-lactate during emersion. On emersion there was also a marked hyperglycemia in the blood due to the stress of handling and asphyxiation. There was fairly good agreement between results obtained during laboratory studies and simulated fishing activity in the Firth of Clyde. Both sets of results are discussed in the context of adaptation to air breathing within the Crustacea and an assesment of post-harvest treatment of lobsters.