Hobbies And Interests
Humans
Humans are the lobster's most prominent predator. Maine fisherman catch more lobster than any state in the U.S. To prevent lobster populations from getting too low, federal and state governments have a minimum catch length of 3.25 inches from the eye socket to the start of the tail. According to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, "the Lobster Institute in Orono, Maine, has established a 'relay pound' in Hawaii where lobsters can rest up before continuing their journey to Japan and the Pacific Rim countries. It can reduce mortalities by up to 40%."
Atlantic Cod
Atlantic cod are a large, omnivorous fish. They can reach lengths of 51 inches and weigh up to 77 lbs. They feed on a large variety of other fish and invertebrates, including lobster. Cod lifespan in the wild is more than 20 years.
Summer Flounder
The summer flounder is also known as a "fluke." It is a bottom-dwelling species with both eyes on one side of the head. This flounder can grow quite large, weighing up to 26 lbs. with a length over 37 inches. Females tend to be much larger than males. The summer flounder is a daylight feeder. It eats various fish species and invertebrates such as squid , blue crabs, lobster and mollusks.
Harbor Seal
Adult harbor seals eat about 5 percent of their weight in food per day. Harbor seals break the shells of crustaceans such as lobsters with powerful jaws, using the back molar teeth.
Other Predators
When the lobster is less than a month old, it is in a vulnerable larva stage near the ocean's surface. Predators that hunt it at this stage include seabirds and any carnivorous fish larger than the larva that swims near the surface. Other animals that eat adult lobsters include eel, wolffish, sculpins, rock gunnels and crab. At low tide, raccoons have been known to feast on any lobsters they find.