The Homarus genus includes the well-known clawed lobsters, notably the American lobster (Homarus americanus) and the European lobster (Homarus gammarus). These species are prized for their large, meaty claws and are a staple in high-value seafood markets. The primary fishing countries for Homarus lobsters are the United States and Canada, which dominate global landings with their robust fisheries in the Northwest Atlantic, particularly off the coasts of Maine and Atlantic Canada. European countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Norway also contribute to the harvest, mainly targeting the European lobster in the Northeast Atlantic. The industry is characterized by pot (trap) fishing, strict regulations on size, season, and reproductive females to ensure sustainability. While the U.S. and Canada account for the majority of Homarus catches, smaller but significant fisheries exist in other North Atlantic nations, making these countries the top "not elsewhere included" contributors to the global Homarus lobster supply.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Spain | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.