PORTLAND, Maine — In response to significant pushback from local lobster fishermen, regulatory agencies have decided against implementing stricter lobster fishing regulations in New England. The proposed rules included raising the minimum size for legally harvested lobsters in key fishing areas, which had raised concerns among fishermen about financial viability.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council had aimed to introduce these stricter measures this summer, citing the necessity for conservation due to recent indications of a declining lobster population. The council stated that these new regulations were crucial for maintaining the sustainability of the lobster resources.
However, commercial fishermen voiced strong opposition, as these new standards would have required them to discard lobsters previously deemed market-ready. A recent vote by a committee within the council led to the initiation of a repeal of the proposed rules, primarily due to “strong industry concerns regarding the potential economic ramifications” of such changes, as highlighted in a press release by the commission.
In light of the decision to revoke these size standards, Patrick Keliher, the chair of the council’s lobster board, indicated that the fishing community must develop alternative strategies to safeguard the lobster population. “The consideration being put forward will necessitate the Gulf of Maine lobster industry to craft management strategies that ensure the long-term sustainability of the resource and the coastal economies that depend on it,” Keliher commented.
The intended size adjustments were specifically aimed at the Gulf of Maine, a region integral to American fisheries, recognized for its diverse seafood offerings, including lobster, haddock, and clams. Previously in 2023, regulations had been established stating that harvesting size for lobsters would become stricter if the lobster population in the Gulf fell by 35% or more.
Recent reports indicated a nearly 40% decline in the lobster stock when comparing the years 2020-2022 to the previous period of 2016-2018. This drop occurred during a time when the Gulf of Maine is experiencing warming trends considerably faster than other ocean regions, affecting lobster health and reproduction, according to scientists.
Although the overall national lobster catch has decreased in recent years, it remains relatively high when viewed through a historical lens. Data from federal sources indicate an approximate 11% reduction in the lobster catch from 2021 to 2023.
One of the primary reasons for the fisherfolk’s resistance to the size increase was the competitive pressure from Canada, which also harvests the same lobster species. The lobster industry significantly contributes to the New England economy and plays a vital role in the region’s identity. Fourth-generation lobsterman Dustin Delano, who serves as the chief operating officer of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, emphasized the economic threat posed by the proposed regulations. “Increasing catch sizes at this juncture could financially cripple many lobstermen and hand over control of the U.S. market to foreign competitors,” Delano stated.
