Atlantic Lobster

An enduring New England icon, the Atlantic lobster has long been a mainstay of local economies and livelihoods along the northeast coast. These highly-prized crustaceans can live up to 50 years and will develop a stronger left or right claw for crushing their food. As tough as they may look, a 1999 major lobster die-off in the Long Island Sound sounded alarm bells that these crustaceans are actually more vulnerable to disease in warmer waters. As ocean temperature rises, lobsters need more oxygen to survive and have a harder time fighting off infections. Uncomfortably warm water will likely drive the lobster entirely out of southern New England and into the Gulf of Maine.

Scientific name: Homarus americanus
IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated
Region: Northeast, Oceans