On the first Monday after September 20 the lobster fishing season in Sweden’s Bohuslän legally begins, creating a flurry of excitement amongst the local fishermen. This year’s premiere lobster sought 7,700euros on the auction market, so we decided to head out and seek our riches!
But where to find Swedish Lobster?
Bohuslän is situated between Gothenburg and Oslo on Sweden’s west coast and consists of a mostly ice-free coastline year round. Here salty Atlantic water comes in with the Gulf Stream, creating a paradise for sea crustaceans such as lobster. Swedish lobsters can mostly be found along the coasts in the Skagerrak, Kattegat and the Öresund. Don’t go hunting for them yorself though, fisherman must have a license to ensure the sustainability of the population or risk hefty fines!
There is also minimum size to comply with: 8 centimeters measured from the rear edge of the eye cavity to the rear edge of the back. If the lobster is smaller, it has to be released back into the sea immediately. This also applies to females with external roe, according to the Swedish Board of Fisheries regulations.
Did you know that Lobster Fisherman are prone to accidents!?
For the Swedish Sea Rescue Service the lobster premiere is a busy period. Lobster fishermen are prone to accidents. Last year, the lifeboats were called into action over 40 times during the first lobster fishing weeks.
Why all this talk of Lobster on a wine website?
Wine not!? Lobster and wine are a fantastic pairing and a typical bounty in New Zealand’s Marlborough region. For this reason, Marlborough chardonnay is an ideal pairing with lobster, as is Sauvignon blanc with all different types of fresh seafood, Lobster included. A luxe but perfect pairing. Treat yourself!
Chin Chin 🙂
