The lobster is a significant species for the economy and for the marine ecosystem. Many studies are being conducted to properly understand this species and better manage the fishery. Lobsters can be studied directly it their natural setting (in the wild) or in a laboratory.

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Behaviour, abundance, habitat, displacements and distribution of lobster populations are mainly studied in the wild. This research is conducted by boat and/or underwater diving. When using boats, lobsters are sampled with traps or scampi trawls. Lobster larvae can also be sampled using a plankton net. Sampling during underwater diving makes it possible to observe lobsters and their behaviour in their natural habitat. Diving also makes it possible to observe and sample young lobsters (first benthic stages) that cannot be caught using traps or trawls.

Laboratory research mostly examines lobster physiology and behaviour according to its environment. For example, it is possible to examine its growth, breathing, breeding, and survival according to different factors such as temperature, salinity or the amount of oxygen in water. The impacts pollution has on lobsters and lobster larvae are also examined in laboratories. To conduct this kind of study, lobsters are kept in basins or aquariums.