Maine’s lobster industry dates back to the colonial era, when Native Americans used lobster as fertilizer for their crops and bait for fishing. Later, lobsters were viewed as lowly, cheap and unwanted until they caught the attention of New York elites seeking something exotic to add to their diet. The growing demand resulted in more people harvesting lobsters, gradually developing into a thriving industry.
Conservation Practices
Maine lobstermen have practiced sustainable fishing for over a century by adopting conservation practices. V notches are made in the tails of egg-bearing females to let other lobstermen know that the lobster is a breeding female and must be returned to the ocean. Lobsters measuring under 3 ¼ inches or over 5 inches must also be returned to maintain population balance.
Maine’s regulations are much stricter than those of our neighboring states of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. In fact, many days, Maine lobstermen throw back more lobsters than they keep. The lobster industry has played a vital role in the conservation of the Maine coastline by keeping the ocean bottom clean and improving marine life habitats.
Save Maine Lobstermen
Recently, the Maine lobster industry has faced challenges due to concerns for the endangered right whale. Maine lobstermen have been spearheading costly right whale conservation efforts for almost two decades by changing the type of ropes used for lobster traps and removing over 30,000 miles of the old line from our waters.
Now, even stricter regulations threaten to cripple the lobster industry and the families supported by lobstering, with even more costly gear upgrades. This has prompted the “Save Maine Lobstermen” movement, organized by the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, which advocates for a better alternative to prevent whale entanglement without destroying the livelihoods of those involved in the lobster industry.
The Maine Lobster Festival is an official partner of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association to support Maine lobstermen.
Impact on Maine’s Economy
Maine’s lobster industry is a crucial part of the state’s economy, food culture and tradition. For lobstermen, it’s not just a job; it’s a way of life. Many families have been lobstering for generations. When lobstermen have a bad year, the entire state’s economy suffers, from marinas to trucking to restaurants. The industry’s success is due to the lobstermen’s practices of sustainable fishing and maintaining ocean ecosystems by continuously making conservation practices a priority.
How Can You Help?
To show your support and help #SaveMaineLobstermen, consider a donation to the Maine Lobstermen’s Association Legal Defense Fund.