In areas where the exploitation rate is high, the local stock of lobsters is maintained at a young average age. The average size is consequently smaller than it would be if there were less fishing pressure. The intensively fished Gulf of St. Lawrence stocks have an average size of less than 400 g. Some lobsters can grow to a size of more than 20 kg if they survive the fishery and natural mortality. They are abundant off Maine, southwest Nova Scotia, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence coastline of the Maritimes.
Lobsters prefer a habitat where they can find shelter.
In deep water canyons off the coast of the US, lobsters have been observed lodged individually in small burrows dug into the face of clay cliffs. Inshore lobster populations are found on rocky bottoms, where a large number of individuals can obtain appropriate shelter. On sand or mud, lobsters may be found hiding under rocks of about their own size. In a number of areas lobsters tend to be larger in deeper water. There are exceptions.