A standardized assessment of geographic variation in size at maturity of European lobster (<i>Homarus gammarus</i>L.) in the North East Atlantic

Abstract Assessing size at maturity for European lobster Homarus gammarus across the North East Atlantic remains a fundamental knowledge gap this commercially valuable fishery. This study first time collates existing data on physiological of female H. Atlantic, including new from Scotland, Wales, and Isle Man. Physiological estimates were undertaken using 1309 lobsters 11 locations standardized methodology. Carapace length (CL) which 50% sampled population had reached (CL50) varied between populations, ranging 82 to 92.5 mm. CL50 reported here are broadly similar historic samples in England, but Irish lower than previous results. The development specific staging guide methodology enables future comparison potential fluctuations maturity.