Enhancement of Lobster Growth

Abstract

Selected captive lobsters have been successfully mated at the Massachusetts Lobster Hatchery. Progeny raised in warm seawater grew at least four times as fast as lobsters grown at ambient ocean temperatures. These studies demonstrate that lobsters will reach sexual maturity (a weight of about 454 grams) in less than 2 years, compared to 8 years at ambient temperatures in Canadian waters. A further reduction in this time has been achieved by phenotypic selection for fast-growing lobsters. Our initial success in accelerating growth and in mating selected parents suggests that lobster farming may be possible.