Maine Lobsterman’s Rare 'Cotton Candy' Catch Heads to University for Genetic Study
Bill Kirby, a veteran Maine lobsterman, caught an ultra-rare 'cotton candy' lobster in Searsport, Maine, on September 17, 2026. The crustacean, estimated to occur once in 100 million, was donated to the University of New England (UNE) for genetic research. Kirby, who has worked in the industry for over 40 years, prioritized the animal's safety and public visibility over commercial sale, reflecting a broader effort to protect the lobster industry's future. The catch highlights the ongoing scientific interest in rare color mutations, which UNE researchers are using to study gene expression and inheritance patterns in lobsters.