SCARBOROUGH, Maine — The lobster industry in the United States continues to experience a decrease in catch as lobster populations move northward, potentially due to changing sea temperatures. In Maine, where lobstering is an essential part of both the culture and economy, the yearly lobster haul has been declining. From nearly 111 million pounds in 2021, the catch dropped to just under 97 million pounds by 2023.
The trend continued into 2024, with state regulators reporting a catch of approximately 86.1 million pounds — the lowest in 15 years. A series of destructive storms impacted coastal communities and fisheries, contributing to the decline, officials reported.
Maine’s Governor, Janet Mills, commended the industry for its resilience during these challenging times. “In a year marked by unprecedented storms and damage to our working waterfronts, Maine’s commercial fishermen managed to deliver significant economic advantages to our state,” she stated.
Despite the challenges, the 2023 and 2024 hauls remained historically high, with figures rarely surpassing 80 million pounds before 2009, and 50 to 80 million pounds through the 2000s. In the mid-2010s, catches typically exceeded 120 million pounds.
In 2024, the fishery held strong economically, with Maine fishermen earning over $528 million at the docks, the highest since 2021. The demand for lobsters, known for being one of the priciest seafood options, stayed robust, keeping prices at record highs.
Maine is tackling climate-related challenges directly, according to Patrick Keliher, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources. He highlighted efforts by the governor to secure funding aimed at enhancing coastal infrastructure, making it more resilient to climate change, and ensuring vital waterfront access for marine workers.
However, looming environmental and economic threats pose challenges to the industry’s future. A significant concern is the decline in baby lobster settlements off New England. These juveniles need safe habitats to mature to legal size, essential for the sustainability of the fishery. Scientists have observed a northward migration of lobsters to cooler regions as ocean temperatures rise.
The link between Maine’s lobster industry and Canada’s seafood processing sector could also face disruptions due to potential new tariffs. As Canadian fishermen harvest the same lobster species and much processing occurs in Canada, tariffs could elevate costs on both sides of the border, industry insiders suggest.
Additionally, there’s concern over potential new regulations designed to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, susceptible to entanglement in fishing equipment. Fishing groups have engaged in prolonged legal battles against the imposition of stricter regulations.
Besides Maine, states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire also have lobster industries. Nevertheless, Maine’s is significantly larger, accounting for approximately 78% of the U.S. lobster haul in 2023, serving as a critical indicator of the all-around health of the American lobster industry.
