2 days ago
Fisherman catches rare lobster twice in two weeks
A fisherman has caught a rare blue lobster twice in a fortnight.
Marc Newton, 35, hauled in the brightly-coloured crustaceans from the English Channel just 12 days apart.
The fourth-generation fisherman, from Beer, Devon, caught the electric blue lobsters despite extreme odds, which some marine biologists have estimated are about two million to one.
The rare colour is caused by a genetic mutation, which prompts the over-production of a certain protein.
Mr Newton released the lobsters back into the waters on both occasions.
The family fishing boat, Bess, is skippered by his father Jim, who has been fishing since he could walk.
Mr Newton said: 'Our family has been supplying fresh local fish from our shop on Beer beach for the last 45 years.
'We're now the fourth generation carrying on this tradition.'
He wrote in a social media post: 'Here he is again. On the left, we caught what looks like the same rare blue lobster as the other day.
'What do you think? Same or a different one?'
Blue lobsters have been caught near Plymouth, Polperro, and Bangor, Northern Ireland, in recent years.
It is even rarer for lobsters to be white in colour – only about one in 100 million are.
In 2019, an albino lobster was caught near Scarborough, North Yorkshire, and donated to the National Trust.
The lobster's appearance was caused by a genetic defect called leucism, which leaves it with no pigment in its shell.
Blue lobster is considered a delicacy, and starred in a lavish state dinner hosted by Emmanuel Macron for King Charles in 2023.
The Élysée Palace spent close to €500,000 on the September visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla, which included about €40,000 on wine.
The starter of blue lobster and crab was inspired by Louis XIV 's tastes.
The feast was executed by a team of 45 chefs led by Yannick Alléno, Anne-Sophie Pic and French pastry chef Pierre Hermé, all of whom have Michelin stars.
