An ongoing doctoral project at Møreforsking investigates key biological aspects of Norway lobster, including reproduction, growth, and sexual maturation. The project addresses central questions such as whether Norway lobster spawn annually or every second year, and at what size they reach sexual maturity. Today, the minimum landing size is set at 13 cm total length, but little scientific evidence from Norwegian populations supports this limit or indicates whether regional differences should apply. This type of biological insight is crucial for assessing the stock’s reproductive capacity and its resilience to fishing pressure.
To answer these questions, the project combines coastal fieldwork with laboratory analyses, with particular emphasis on the region of Møre og Romsdal. The results will provide new knowledge about how biological processes shape population dynamics and contribute to a stronger foundation for future management. In this way, the project supports the development of a long‑term, profitable, and sustainable Norway lobster fishery.
More about this project
This doctoral project investigates the life history of Norway lobster in Norwegian waters to strengthen the knowledge base for sustainable management of a resource that is becoming increasingly important along the Norwegian coast.
