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Poll results

This Wednesday, Sept. 25, is National Lobster Day — a federally designated celebration of the crustacean's cultural and economic impact.

Nowhere is that felt more than in Maine, where fishermen typically catch about 80% of all American lobster.

Thanks to strong boat prices last year, Maine's haul brought in revenue of $464.4 million, up about $72 million from the 2022 total and representing about three-quarters of the value generated by all the state's fisheries, combined.

However, 2023 lobster landings totaled 93.7 million pounds — the smallest harvest since 2009.

Lobstermen and scientists warn that climate change may be affecting Maine's lobster population, as warming waters force the animals to find new habitats farther north.

The fishery also remains threatened by attempts to protect another marine species, the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Federal regulators in 2021 planned restrictions on lobstering, including on fishing lines thought to entangle the whales. Congress postponed the rule changes two years ago, but that reprieve expires Dec. 31, 2028.

In a Maine State Chamber of Commerce forum last year, some experts warned the centuries-old lobster fishery still faces challenges that could lead to its end.

Patrice McCarron of the Maine Lobstermen's Association summed up the situation by saying, "The fishery is not out of the woods yet."

Overall, how do you feel about the prospects for Maine's lobster industry in the next 10 years?
Very optimistic (6%, 12 VOTES)
Somewhat optimistic (28%, 60 VOTES)
Unsure or neutral (19%, 42 VOTES)
Somewhat pessimistic (38%, 83 VOTES)
Very pessimistic (9%, 19 VOTES)
Poll Description

This Wednesday, Sept. 25, is National Lobster Day — a federally designated celebration of the crustacean's cultural and economic impact.

Nowhere is that felt more than in Maine, where fishermen typically catch about 80% of all American lobster.

Thanks to strong boat prices last year, Maine's haul brought in revenue of $464.4 million, up about $72 million from the 2022 total and representing about three-quarters of the value generated by all the state's fisheries, combined.

However, 2023 lobster landings totaled 93.7 million pounds — the smallest harvest since 2009.

Lobstermen and scientists warn that climate change may be affecting Maine's lobster population, as warming waters force the animals to find new habitats farther north.

The fishery also remains threatened by attempts to protect another marine species, the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Federal regulators in 2021 planned restrictions on lobstering, including on fishing lines thought to entangle the whales. Congress postponed the rule changes two years ago, but that reprieve expires Dec. 31, 2028.

In a Maine State Chamber of Commerce forum last year, some experts warned the centuries-old lobster fishery still faces challenges that could lead to its end.

Patrice McCarron of the Maine Lobstermen's Association summed up the situation by saying, "The fishery is not out of the woods yet."

  • 216 Votes
  • 1 Comments
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1 Comments

  • Alison Jacobs
    September 23, 2024

    If the government would stay out of the lobster business it will be fine. The lobster harvesting people have been doing it responsibly for decades and will continue to do so if left alone. They are not going to do things that will threaten the lobster population as it is their livelihood. Let them be and do what they know best.