Can you put a lobster bought at store back into the sea and expect it to survive?

It is generally not advisable to release lobsters purchased from stores back into the ocean. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Environmental Concerns: Lobsters sold in stores are often caught from different regions and may not be native to the local ecosystem where you intend to release them. Introducing non-native species can disrupt the delicate balance of the local marine environment and compete with native species for food and habitat.

2. Adaption to Captivity: Lobsters sold in stores have been raised and adapted to live in captivity. They may have lost their natural survival skills, making them more vulnerable to predators and unable to find suitable food sources in the wild.

3. Disease Transmission: Lobsters sold in stores can carry diseases or parasites that may not be present in the local marine environment. Releasing these lobsters can potentially introduce new diseases and threaten the health of native lobster populations.

4. Legal Regulations: In some regions, there may be legal regulations or restrictions on releasing certain marine species back into the wild. It's important to check local regulations before attempting to release a lobster.