The European lobster can live for up to 60 years. They live on muddy seabeds at depths ranging from just a few metres to as deep as 500 metres. Adult lobsters lead a stationary, nocturnal life, feeding on other crustaceans, mollusks and worms. Summer is the spawning season for lobsters, and the female carries the roe for nine to eleven months. When the eggs are ready for hatching, between May and September, the female lifts her tail and thousands of lobster larvae float to the water´s surface. In Norwegian waters the European lobster can be found from the Swedish border to Trøndelag, and from time to time in Nordland.
Wild catch
Due to a dramatic decline in the European lobster stocks during the last 50 years, the size and number of lobsters caught is now regulated in Norway. Lobster pots are the only permitted method for catching lobster. Norwegian fisheries are currently experimenting with the development of lobster farming.
Diet
Hermit crab, whelk, polychaeta worms, and blue mussels. Also eats animal carcasses
Fishery
Because of a dramatic decline in the lobster stock the last 50 years, preservation regulations and minimum size have been put in place. There are currently attempts at developing lobster farming in Norway. Lobster pots are the only allowed fishing gear for catching lobster.
Nutrition
European Lobster is especially rich in:
- Protein that builds and maintains every cell in the body.
- Vitamin B12, which is important for the body in producing new cells, including red blood cells. Vitamin B12 can help to prevent anaemia.
- Selenium, an important element in an enzyme that fights harmful chemical processes in the body.
More nutritional data can be found at www.nifes.no/en/prosjekt/seafood-data