UNSPSC 10101811: Live lobster

Lobster is a variety of sea crustacean. The scientific name is palinurus elephas. The most important lobster varieties are the red lobster or royal spiny lobster --of higher gastronomic value--, Portugals pink rock lobster, American lobster and Mauritan

UNSPSC 10101811 Live lobster (Commodity) encompasses the procurement of live aquatic species for statewide programs, though recent state and local activity under this code centers on live freshwater fish rather than lobster. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Montgomery County Pennsylvania, and other state and local bodies are acquiring live fish—primarily hybrid sunfish and fingerling trout—to support public fishing access programs, urban recreation initiatives, and educational activities serving disadvantaged populations. Work solicited under the code involves species acquisition, transportation logistics with specialized hauling equipment, site delivery coordination, and performance guarantees including mortality thresholds and advance-notice requirements. Issuing bodies include state natural resources and conservation departments and county-level parks and conservation authorities. Vendors typically must hold aquaculture permits or fish dealer licenses and carry commercial liability insurance; some opportunities require domestic-product certification.

Geographic activity is concentrated in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Illinois posted a statewide hybrid sunfish delivery IFB (B27-422DNR-RESCO-B-54517, due November 4, 2026) for 132,257 fish across six regional distribution categories with annual contract renewal options through ten years total, domestic preference applied. Montgomery County, Pennsylvania solicited a ten-year sub-lease for a trout nursery operator (Solicitation 2629, due June 4, 2026) to rear fingerling trout for special fishing events and disadvantaged populations. Both opportunities emphasize multi-year commitments, logistical complexity, and mission-driven procurement tied to public access and recreation.