The U.S. lobster industry is facing a decline in its catch as fishermen deal with the northward movement of lobsters. Maine, the heart of the industry, has seen a drop in its lobster haul every year since 2021. In 2021, Maine caught nearly 111 million pounds of lobsters, but by 2023, the figure had fallen to just under 97 million pounds. This decline continued into 2024, with the catch falling to about 86.1 million pounds, according to data released by state officials on Friday. This marks the lowest catch in 15 years. A series of major storms, which damaged coastal communities and disrupted fisheries, played a significant role in the reduced lobster catch. Governor Janet Mills praised the resilience of Maine’s fishing industry, acknowledging the challenges posed by the storms and the damage to waterfront areas. She commended the commercial fishermen, aquaculturists, and seafood dealers for their continued economic contributions to the state despite these setbacks.
Maine’s lobster industry experienced historically high catches in recent years, despite the decline in 2024. Before 2009, fishermen in Maine had never exceeded 80 million pounds in a year. Throughout the 2000s, catches typically ranged between 50 million and 80 million pounds. However, in the mid-2010s, catches regularly surpassed 120 million pounds, reflecting the industry’s peak during that period. Despite the recent downturn, last year’s catch remained above the historical averages prior to 2009.
Despite the decline in lobster catches, Maine’s fishery remained economically robust in 2024. Fishermen earned over $528 million at the docks, marking the highest earnings since 2021. The demand for lobster, one of the most expensive seafoods, stayed strong, and the price per pound reached one of its highest levels on record.
Patrick Keliher, commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources, emphasized that the state is actively addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The governor has secured funding to help rebuild damaged coastal infrastructure, enhance its resilience to climate change, and safeguard essential waterfront access for those relying on the water for their livelihoods.
The future of Maine’s lobster industry is under threat from several environmental and economic challenges. One significant issue is the decline in the number of juvenile lobsters settling off the New England coast. These young lobsters need a safe environment to grow to legal size, which is crucial for the sustainability of the fishery. Scientists have noted that the lobster population is migrating northward to cooler waters as ocean temperatures rise.
Additionally, the Maine lobster industry is closely tied to Canada’s seafood sector, which could face disruptions due to new tariffs. Canadian fishermen harvest the same type of lobster, and much of the seafood processing happens in Canada. Industry members fear that tariffs will drive up prices on both sides of the border.
Another challenge is the potential for stricter regulations aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale, which is at risk of entanglement in fishing gear. Fishing groups have been involved in lengthy legal battles over these proposed fishing restrictions.
While other states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire also have lobster fishing industries, Maine dominates the sector. The size of Maine’s lobster harvest serves as a strong indicator of the overall health of the U.S. lobster industry. In 2023, Maine was responsible for approximately 78% of the country’s total lobster catch.