Maine’s lobster catch value reached an estimated $456.9 million in 2014, a new all-time record that was driven by an unusually high increase in price per pound.
The Bangor Daily News reported that the average statewide price for lobster last year was $3.69, a $0.79 increase from 2013. That increase, combined with a catch that yielded more than 120 million pounds for a third year in a row, led to the record-breaking estimated catch value, a roughly 23% increase over 2013’s $370.28 million.
Maine Lobstermen’s Association President Dave Cousens told the newspaper cool water temperatures contributed to a high supply of hardshell lobsters. He said he expects this year’s harsh winter temperatures will help produce another healthy crop of hardshells.
Source: Bangor Daily News
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