True lobsters (family Nephropidae), including the well-known Homarus species such as the American lobster (Homarus americanus) and the European lobster (Homarus gammarus), are highly prized crustaceans found in cold and temperate waters of the North Atlantic. The term "Lobsterettes Not Elsewhere Included" generally refers to smaller or less common species within the true lobster group. The primary fishing countries for true lobsters are the United States and Canada, which dominate global landings thanks to the prolific stocks of American lobster off the coasts of Maine and Atlantic Canada. The United Kingdom, France, and Norway are significant harvesters of the European lobster. These countries have developed robust, regulated fisheries with measures such as size limits, trap restrictions, and closed seasons to ensure sustainability. The lobster industry is economically vital, supporting coastal communities and generating substantial export revenue, particularly in North America, where live lobster exports are a major business.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.