A rare catch at Jordan’s Lobster Farms

In a rare event, Jordan’s Lobster Farms, a cornerstone of the seafood industry in Island Park for over 70 years, welcomed five rare orange lobsters.

Fishermen pulled five orange lobsters in one trap in Boothbay Harbor in Maine, which were transported to the Island Park Lobster eatery. The addition of the orange lobster family has brought a surge of interest to Jordan’s Lobster Farms. This rare display comes just two weeks after the restaurant received a shipment of a 20-pound and the rarities serve as an educational opportunity for the public.

Orange lobsters are an extraordinary rarity in the wild, occurring at a rate of about one in 30 million. Their vibrant hue is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the pigmentation of their shells. Typically, lobsters are a dark bluish-green to greenish-brown color, which camouflages them from predators.

The discovery of one, let alone five such lobsters at once is an extraordinary feat. Co-owner Stevie Jordan decided to donate the rare catch, which will be on display at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island.

“You don’t want to cook it,” Jordan said. “Hopefully, the aquarium will be able to take care of them and put them back in some type of natural environment. They know what you’re doing.”

Jordan’s Lobster Farms, established in 1938 by William Jordan, has weathered numerous challenges over the decades, from economic downturns to environmental changes. Stevie Jordan, the current co-owner and grandson of the founder, has continued to adapt the business to meet modern demands while maintaining the legacy of quality and community engagement.

Located along Reynolds Channel, the Island Park location has evolved from a wholesale operation into a retail and dining destination. The complex includes outdoor decks, a clam bar, and a fish market, offering visitors a unique culinary experience. Diners can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, from classic lobster rolls to innovative sushi, amidst the scenic backdrop of the channel.

“They’re rare number one, and then to get five and one delivery is unheard of,” explained chef Brian Glennon, who grew up in Island Park and initially worked at Jordan Lobster Farms when he was a teenager. He has been working at the restaurant for the past five years.

“I’ve seen electric neon blue ones here before, maybe once every three to five years. I’ve seen white albino ones. But to have five of those at once is unbelievable. Nobody wants to buy that and cook it up and eat it so donating makes sense. If you put them in the biggest tank you can give them a nice survival chance.”