Striking blue crustacean is one in two million
The UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) recently became home to a rare blue lobster, now on display in the seawater lab’s touch tank at the SMAST East campus in New Bedford.
The lobster was caught by the crew of the Michael and Erin, a fishing vessel based out of Beverly, MA. The fisher contacted the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries who turned it over to SMAST. Seawater lab manager Forrest Kennedy says the lobster is approximately 1.25 pounds and between 7 and 8 years old.
What makes it blue?
Blue lobsters are extremely uncommon, with researchers estimating they occur in about one out of every two million lobsters in the wild. Its rare coloring is caused by a genetic anomaly that increases the production of a protein called crustacyanin, which gives the shell its distinctive blue appearance.
The lobster will remain at SMAST, where students, researchers, and visitors can observe the unique crustacean up close.
SMAST's new addition is not just a curiosity but also a useful way to spark conversations about marine biodiversity and the science of New England’s coastal ecosystems.
The blue lobster is available for viewing during public events and school visits at SMAST’s East seawater lab in New Bedford.