For a long time, lobster has been seen as a pricey seafood dish that should only be offered on rare occasions or on the menus of upscale eateries. But why is lobster so pricey exactly? The process of harvesting and farming, as well as the substantial demand for this highly regarded delicacy, are the causes.
Lobster harvesting is a labor-intensive procedure that calls both specialized tools and knowledgeable personnel. Lobster traps need to be set up correctly and examined frequently, frequently during bad weather. Then, in order to preserve its quality and freshness, the lobster must be swiftly sorted and shipped. The price of harvesting lobster is expensive due to all of these variables.
In contrast, lobster farming is a young and expanding sector. Infrastructure and equipment investments are important when starting a lobster farm, with launch expenditures typically costing around $500,000. In order to protect the health and safety of the lobsters, lobster farmers must also abide by stringent rules, which might raise the cost of production.
In addition, a lobster can live for up to 100 years, which is a very lengthy lifespan. This increases the expense of production because it takes a lobster a number of years to reach a size that is marketable.
Can you raise your own lobsters then? Small-scale lobster farming is feasible, but it is a difficult procedure. A specialized atmosphere and nutrition are necessary for lobsters to grow, and creating and maintaining such an environment can be expensive. In addition, cultivating lobster is frequently subject to rules and permissions, making it a challenging and expensive business for the common person.
In conclusion, the labor-intensive harvesting technique, the high demand for this premium seafood product, and the huge investment needed to start and sustain a lobster farm are the key causes of lobster’s high price. Small-scale lobster farming may be feasible, but it is not a straightforward or low-cost business.
In the wild, it takes a lobster around 5 to 7 years to reach market size. However, with the right care and food, lobsters can be developed to market size in aquaculture environments in two to three years.