1. To identify suitable immune system parameters which can be used to evaluate stress reponses and health status in captive lobsters and to apply those parameters in a study of stress induced by post harvest handling procedures.

2. To investigate the causes of mortality in captive lobsters held in processing factories. This study will focus on bacteriological and histopathological examinations and will result in the development of a standard protocol for autopsy of lobsters.

3. To evluate the influence of temperature change on immunological and physiological stress reponses.

4. To study the influence of hormonal secretions on immunological and physiological stress reponses.

5. To investigate innovative techniques which will boost immunocompetence but not adversely affect marketability of live product.