The winter season, from November to February, is the best time of year for the consumption of European lobster. Although lobster is available all year in the UK, the winter catch results in a harder-shell lobster with more meat and a stronger flavor. Additionally, it is easier to transport lobsters alive during the winter months as the lobsters are in better shape. However, lobster prices rise as Christmas approaches because of the low catch caused by weather issues. During the spring and summer months, the lobster has a softer shell with less meat content and is transported in recirculating water tanks. This is more challenging because of the stress caused by different temperatures along the process of fishing, storing, and transporting.