What Size is Your Lobster?

Maine lobstermen have been harvesting lobster in the same environmentally conscious way for over 100 years. These practices include “V-notching” female lobsters as well as setting a size limit for harvested lobsters.

Maine’s lobster size limit is 3 ¼ lbs. so as to allow all juveniles time to mature and reproduce before they are harvested. Every lobster caught is measured to ensure the survival of our favorite red friend.

Lobsters are measured based on the size of their carapace, the hard shell segment between the tail and the head. Lobstermen place a metal gauge at the lobster’s eye socket down the carapace. If the lobster’s carapace does not fit between the jaws of the gauge, then the lobster must be thrown back.

Lobsters can also be too small to be caught as well. Lobsters too small to harvest are called shorts. Lobster lovers in Maine typically dine on 1, 1 ¼, and 1 ½ lb. crustaceans!