Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Maine lobstermen are choosing to keep their boats at anchor rather than hauling traps in response to dealer prices as low as $2.60 a pound.
At that price, according to a report in the Bangor Daily News, lobstermen say what they receive for their catch doesn’t even cover expenses.
Adding to lobstermen’s price woes is the appearance of soft-shell lobsters a month earlier than usual. As reported by the BDN, during a typical year many of those Maine lobsters are commonly shipped to Canadian processors. But this year, Canada’s lobstermen have had an exceptionally strong spring season resulting in a backlog of lobsters at Canadian processors. With supplies up, demand goes down – Canada’s processors aren’t accepting Maine lobsters right now, the newspaper reports -- and prices fall accordingly.
The early arrival of soft-shell lobster also limits the ability of Maine lobstermen to market their catch outside of New England, since “shedders” are more fragile and can’t be shipped as far as lobsters with hard shells. That limits sales to local markets, but the glut caused by the Canadian processors’ backlog is keeping local retail prices low – a good deal for consumers, but one that's putting an economic squeeze on the lobstermen.
The Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Learn MoreWork for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Learn MoreFew people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Few people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
Comments