Maine’s lobster industry, a cornerstone of the state’s economy, is bracing for a significant challenge as new regulations mandating stricter minimum sizes for harvested lobsters are set to take effect next summer. While the size change may appear minor—just 1/16th of an inch—the impact on the industry could be substantial, particularly as it already grapples with the effects of climate change and new whale protection rules.
Gerry Cushman, a seasoned lobster fisherman from Port Clyde, Maine, expressed deep concern over the impending regulations. “We don’t need any more, really, on our plate. It’s just a lot going on, one fight after another,” said Cushman, who has spent three decades in the industry. He fears that even a small change could disrupt their fishing ability and potentially lower lobster prices, further straining an already imperilled industry.
The new rules, set by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, are designed to safeguard the future of the lobster population in the Gulf of Maine, one of the world’s most critical lobster fishing grounds. The commission’s data indicate a 39% decline in the young lobster stock in the Gulf from 2020 to 2022 compared to previous years, surpassing the 35% threshold that triggers regulatory action. This has prompted the decision to increase the minimum legal size for harvested lobsters, a move that could potentially reverse the decline and ensure the long-term sustainability of the lobster population.
Caitlin Starks, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator with the commission, noted, “We’re seeing a decline in recruits that will probably result in a decline in adults later on.” The minimum size on the gauges fishermen use will increase to 3 5/16 inches (8.4 centimetres) on July 1, with a further 1/16th of an inch increase two years later.
While conservationists argue that these changes are crucial for protecting the lobster population, many fishermen disagree. They contend that the commission’s data may be flawed and argue that the industry is already facing extreme regulatory pressures. The new size limits could put U.S. fishermen at a competitive disadvantage, particularly against their Canadian counterparts, who operate under more lenient regulations.
The ripple effects of these changes could have an impact beyond the U.S., as the Atlantic States Commission has approved new rules to prevent the importation of sub-legal lobsters from Canada. Canadian trade groups closely monitor the situation, with concerns about how these regulations might affect international trade and pricing.
Despite the lobster industry’s concerns, some scientists support the new regulations as necessary to ensure the fishery’s long-term sustainability. However, the debate continues as the industry grapples with the potential consequences of these new rules.
