Young fishermen revive lobster tradition on Flekkerøy in Kristiansand

Seventeen-year-old Thor Alberg Guttormsen and four friends have kept alive a local tradition of lobster fishing on Flekkerøy in Kristiansand for the past three years. Thor learned the intricacies of this craft from his father, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, including the best spots for traps and how to properly salt the bait. Last year, the group caught twelve lobsters, and this year they have doubled the number of traps they are setting.

Throughout the year, Guttormsen has heard about a significant decline in the lobster population over the decades. He suggests limiting lobster fishing to three weeks a year, followed by a two-year pause to allow the stock to recover.

Gathered on a dock, the excited group drinks coffee before embarking to set their traps. This season, they are using twenty traps, all baited with salt and unpleasant-smelling old mackerel.

Jesper Thomassen, another 17-year-old in the group, echoes Thor’s enthusiasm. He recalls that their first year was challenging, yielding little catch, but they managed nine lobsters the following year and twelve last year. With their increased number of traps, the group is optimistic about a successful haul this season.

However, there is concern about the future of lobster fishing. Guttormsen emphasizes that a drastic reduction in fishing needs to occur to revitalize lobster populations. He believes a two-year cessation of fishing is necessary to allow the lobsters to rebound. “Otherwise, I don’t think lobster fishing will continue for many years to come,” he warns.