What was once a cherished cornerstone of the American coast is now in stormy waters. The Maine lobster fishery has seen a sharp decline in catches. This shows the industry is at a crossroads. At Lobsterboys, the rapid decline seen in Maine is personal. We’ve seen firsthand how unsustainable practices can devastate these communities. We believe there is a way to secure a bright future for lobster fishing. It requires collaboration and transparency.
A Steady Fall: Maine’s Declining Lobster Catches
Maine's lobster fisheries thrived for decades. But, they have sadly declined in recent years. In 2023, the catch declined by 5% compared to the previous year, marking the lowest haul since 2009. Maine has seen steady decreases since 2016, when the state reached a record high of 132.6 million pounds.
A Mayday Signal: Maine’s Declining Lobster Catches
Even more alarming than these lower rates is the lobster population. Specifically the young lobsters. In the Gulf of Maine, the young lobster population has plummeted by 40% in three short years. This trend is a big threat to the industry's sustainability. Young lobsters are vital to replenishing stocks.
Regulators are trying to fix this decline. They want to boost sustainability. Maine's lobstermen agreed to new catch limits in 2022. In 2025, they will enforce new size limits on lobsters.
At Lobsterboys, this decline hits close to home. My brother & co-founder Travis & I grew up during the collapse of the Long Island lobster fishery. It wiped out over 99% of local fisheries and destroyed our family's fourth-generation business.
Sustainability: A Lifeline for the Lobster Industry
But is there a reason to hope? There’s actually one word to promote hope, and that’s sustainability. Sustainability isn’t just another buzzword; it's a lifeline to the lobster industry. At Lobsterboys we’ve built our business around responsible sourcing and price transparency. We partner with lobstermen in Nova Scotia, Canada.
We build direct relationships with lobstermen to ensure fair trade. We also focus on practices that support the marine ecosystem. For example, we return female lobsters with eggs to the ocean to protect the next generation. We also make sure to inspect every lobster for quality and size.
Whether your lobster comes from Maine or Nova Scotia, the future of our industry depends on all of us. By supporting fisheries that make sustainability a real priority we can preserve this tradition for generations to come. At Lobsterboys we’re focused on being part of the solution, not just for our customers but for the entire lobster industry.
Let’s ensure that the legacy of lobster fishing doesn’t fade away but flourishes.
