Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
GLOUCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A lobster shortage because of brutally cold temperatures this season may have local market prices shooting up.
David Jewell, a skipper and lobsterman in Gloucester, said the season started late because near freezing water temperatures have caused lobsters to move farther offshore and burrow deep in the sand.
"A couple of the guys have temperature readings on their traps. They can tell as soon as it hits the surface what the temperature is on the bottom and last week it was down to like 37 degrees. So, the lobsters are not moving," Jewell said.
That means the lobsters are harder to catch.
"The last two years with this colder water, the offshore boats have had incredible seasons compared to us," Jewell said. "Things change when you think you have things figured out, the lobsters do something else."
Because of the shortage, a 5 to 6-ounce lobster roll may cost around $50 this year.
"I think they're almost there now; it wouldn't surprise me one bit," Jewell said.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.