Lobster, American – U.S. Southern New England
American Lobsters are found off the Atlantic coast of North America from Newfoundland to Virginia. They can grow to a large size of 18kg (40lbs) and reach sexual maturity between 5-10 years old.
In the U.S., the abundance of American Lobster varies between regions. In the Southern New England region, abundance of American Lobster has been in decline since the late 1990’s and is currently at a very low level.
American Lobsters are caught using traps baited with herring. Unfortunately the lines that connect the traps or pots sometimes entangle critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whales and threatened Humpback Whales, and this is a significant threat to the recovery of these whales. The fishing method causes moderate damage to bottom habitats.