The Secret Life of Lobsters: How Fishermen and Scientists Are Unraveling the Mysteries of Our Favorite Crustacean (P.S.) Kindle Edition

Who knew there was so much to learn about lobsters.  Let me count the ways this book enlightens and entertains. 1.  Lobster lovers will learn fascinating facts about life style and habitats.  For example, the creatures have incredibly sensitive feet which act as receptors to recognize chemicals released by other members of the species and the male stands guard protecting the female during the vulnerable molting stage while she sheds her shell before mating.  2. Scientists will lap up the decades of experiments by professionals dedicated to gathering information about the crusty subjects.   The field biologists who into monthly low tides to peer under rocks, patient lab assistants who observe captives in tanks, the marine biologists who dive in frigid Maine waters, the oceanographers who spend weeks charting the ocean floor, wind patterns and water currents. 3. Policy wonks can follow the decision-making process to regulate a sustainable catch that involved government agencies, local fisherman and scientific institutions.  For example, determining the number and requirements of permits given to lobstermen prevented corporate fishing from scraping the ocean floor bare and ensured that the fishery remained in the hands of individuals with interest in preservation.   4.  Environmentalists will appreciate the measures that preserved the lobster population and regret the lessons came too late for lost fisheries like cod.   5. Economists will relish discussions of the market forces which reinforced sustainable practices of the fishery.  Since 1-2 pounds is the most affordable for consumers and profitable for the fisherman, the market encourages the release of larger successful breeding stock to reproduce and continue to replenish the numbers.    6. Lobster eaters can shed their guilt about consuming the delicacy.  The author maintains that lobsters have no receptors to feel pain when boiled alive (which must be done because of the rapid accumulation of toxins in dead flesh) and that the lobster on their plate will not detract from the breeding population.  7. Readers will enjoy the engrossing tale about the secrets of a bottom dwelling scavenger and the fishing families on the Maine coast who have relied on the lobster catch for generations.  The lobster life cycle is deceptively complex and crustacean anchors an equally complex web of human interaction.  As much as this is a compilation of knowledge, it is also a human story. Readers get to know the lobster through the eyes and efforts of individual fisherman and scientists.  Weaving a tapestry of connections, the author shows how the implications of a scientific discovery contributed to a fishing policy that changed the fortunes of the community so that members of one family could send their children to college or another could afford a new boat.  Recent failures in environmental management give ample reasons for despondence, but the lobster presents an instructive success story.   Despite cooperation between lobstermen and scientists to preserve the fishery and community, the lobster faces an uncertain future.   The author notes impending threats to the species, like warming temperatures and ocean acidification that already diminish catches.  The book is a well written page turner that captures the social fabric in a coastal Maine town and presents a wealth of scientific research in an easily digested and very engrossing story. There is much to learn about lobsters and this book uses the lobster as a lesson about the knowledge required to fully appreciate the risks and rewards of dependence on a natural resource.

Okay, so this does indeed tell you about lobsters, but just American lobsters (as expected, I guess). He gives a single long paragraph about the diversity of lobster forms and that's it. He also talks way too much about this one family of lobsterpeople (lobsterpersons?). I didn't think that was necessary. Anyway, it has a few maps in the front and the paperback edition has a post-script with a few lobster diagrams illustrating anatomy. No photos or index and only a tiny further reading section. While I did learn plenty about one kind of lobster, I think I could've done without all the people stuff. I discovered lobsters are disgusting and lack refined ethical practices.

Unless you think you can work up a proper "give a darn" about the bedroom habits of lobsters, buying this book is probably a mistake. If you can picture yourself spending a few hours perusing the matter, however, it's a pretty good read. I should note in passing that I paid considerably less for this book than the currently asked Kindle price of $11.99, and will _never_ pay more than $9.99 for an electronic download that costs the publisher practically nothing to store and deliver. At a reduced price, however, it's a good read. The author has a pleasant voice, and did his homework.

While visiting Bar Harbor Maine last year, we went out on a lobster and nature cruise. The guide did a great job at showing everyone all of the sights and explaining the different areas that we toured. Then they pulled up lobster traps and that's when things got very interesting. She took out a lobster from the trap, banded the claw, measured it and then passed it around. We talked about it and she recommended this book. I'm glad she did. It is a very good read about the lobster industry, it's history, research, and conservation of the lobsters. The book highlights lobster men and the scientists that work together to keep the industry flourishing. This book is very interesting.

This is the second time I read this life cycle of lobsters and those hardy folks who catch them for a living.Sometimes it becomes a little too technical , however the alternating between science and the lives of the families who spend their lives trying to sustain and make a living in the most adverse conditions makes it an easy read( which is why I read it cover to cover again).

This is a great book and a peek into a subject and lives you never knew you were interested in. This book has lots of meaty info on lobsters, their reproduction, habitat, lives and the science involved in continuing an industry. It is also a close look into multigenerational lobstering men, women and families, who devote their lives and obtain their livelihood from the sea. There is so much more here than I had assumed. I can now dazzle people with lobster knowledge that is more fascinating than many would have ever imagined.

This book showed up on as a suggestion in non-fiction. I did not know what to expect but I enjoyed it very much. The science was at an understandable and the subject matter was surprisingly interesting. I especially enjoyed the insight into the workings on how government scientists impact the livelihood o people without ever interacting with those very people. A good read

I enjoyed this. I think the mixing of the fishermen’s narratives and the scientists makes this accessible to a lot of people. I did want more science, though. For me, there was too much story and not enough science. I felt like my takeaway was more about how the lobster populations were studied than actual lobsters, and that wasn’t quite what I was looking for even though it was very well written and presented.

I absolutely love this book - it’s very well written and tells a fascinating story about what are truly amazing creatures. A brilliant book - I’ve re-read it and often give it as a gift to friends.

Great way to learn about lobsters without it being a book full of science jargon! I found this really interesting and thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

Eat guilt free. One great way how to cook included. They don't hold hands because they are in love, but rather they are fighting. And the lobster men practice good husbandry. Bon appetit!

The author has quite a way of making what you would expect to be a pretty dry subject utterly fascinating. I couldn't put the book down during the lobster sex part. I can't wait to read something else from the author.

Very interesting and well written