F R O M   T H E   C R O W E ’ S   N E S T

A Struggle to Work Out



The Maine lobster industry has seen more change in the last twenty years than at any time in its history. Catch figures began rising in the early 90s, and as other fisheries declined more fishermen went lobstering. As Maine was becoming a one fishery state the banks were deregulated and the big, powerful, lobster boat was born.

Unlike the big pleasure boats in Northeast Harbor however, lobster boats are not just second home write offs. Fuel, boat payments, and bait soon became the three cranky elephants in the wheel-house. When faltering prices drained the blush from the big harvest rose this trio really got in the way.

Around the fringes of these developments there were discussions among some about climate change, water temperatures, ocean acidity, more shedders, price swings, of course Canada and what this all might mean for the future.

With warning, 2012 rolled in and all of the above hit the fan. Speculations, warnings, science and second guesses all seemed to become glaring realities. Shedders pored onto the US and Canadian markets and the price collapsed yet further.

The Fishermen’s Forum has not had a more proactive orientation in the last twenty years as it had this March. Lobstermen, scientists, and business people presented proposals, programs and research related to the range of problems facing the lobster industry. Marketing more lobster in more ways, bringing in a better product, fishing efficiency and monitoring the resource were a few topics covered.

This response did not begin with low lobster prices in July 2012. The research and the development of new business models have been building for a few years as the ground moved under the industry.

The flood of shedders and flooding from hurricane Sandy in New York City were a double wake up call. The environment and fishery have changed and now it’s our turn.

The individuals at the Forum have been in search of new ways in a new world. Fishing has always changed, but it is the type and degree of change that is different this time. Information, organization, communication, and cooperation, will be keywords in lobster fishing’s shifting realities future.

This is not one we can just ride out. It is one we will need to struggle together to work out.