Long-time freediver and Monterey Bay Aquarium member Tom Powers was diving off the Channel Islands when he came across the biggest lobster he had ever seen. Determined to catch and eat the mighty beast, he wrestled the spiny lobster out of its cave. Once he reached the surface and realized how incredible a specimen he had found, Powers thought better of his plans and decided to donate the lobster to the aquarium, where it now resides in the Enchanted Kelp Forest exhibit.
Aquarist Kevin Lewand estimates the 11-pound lobster is 80-90 years old. Lobsters if that size and age are becoming increasingly rare, according to the Department of Fish and Game. But the Marine Life Protection Act, now underway on the south coast, could provide a boost to the species.
New marine protected areas will allow the species to recover and thrive, and that is good for the whole ecosystem. The California spiny lobster helps to control urchin populations, and that supports healthy kelp forests.
March 19, 2009
Monster lobster found off Channel Islands
