Lobster Fishermen

Challenges of Fishing: Wind, Current & Tides Commercial fishermen are the backbone of the seafood industry. They face a multitude of challenges navigating the ocean, not to mention numerous local, state, and federal regulations. Fishermen also live with a lot of uncertainty about how much they will catch and where, and their schedules are unpredictable … Read more

The Evolution of the Lobster Boat The history of lobster boats in Maine is a story of resilience, innovation, and the symbiotic relationship between the rocky coastline and industrious fishermen. Fishing vessels for lobstering have undergone significant transformations over the years, evolving from humble beginnings into the specialized and efficient craft that dot the beautiful … Read more

Underwater Fight Club – Vol. I: Lobster vs. Octopus While lobsters and octopuses live in different environments and have distinct characteristics, it’s fun to imagine how they might interact if ever they were to encounter each other in an ocean floor brawl. Lobsters are crustaceans that have a hard exoskeleton, claws, and a segmented body. … Read more

Federal & State Management of Maine Fisheries The Maine lobster fishery is a significant and economically important industry, and its management involves both state and federal regulatory frameworks. Lobster fishing in Maine is primarily governed by the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) at the state level and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) … Read more

A Day in the Life of a Maine Lobsterman: Tales from the Atlantic When most people think of a Maine lobsterman’s job, they conjure images of early morning coffee, sunny days, salty air, and pulling lobster traps. Once upon a time, this was an accurate summation of a lobsterman’s day, but today, fishing or hauling … Read more

Lobster Fishermen and Right Whales There hasn’t been a single right whale entanglement in Maine waters in nearly two decades, despite the deployment of over 3 million lobster traps each year The Maine lobster industry has become a central point of discussion in ongoing environmental debates, often revolving around the North Atlantic right whale (NARW), … Read more

Equipment Needed for Lobster Fishing Catching lobster requires specific gear that is designed for particular purposes. Of course, catching lobster is the primary goal, but mitigating impacts on the environment, maintaining safety for fishermen, and supporting the lobster population are also important considerations that have impacted the design and function of lobster gear. There are … Read more

Some Interesting Creatures that get Stuck in Lobster Traps If you have an interest in Maine lobster fishing, you might be wondering what other creatures might wander into a lobster trap. Simply put, anything that’s big enough to fit inside a lobster trap (also called a lobster pot) can end up stuck – but some ocean … Read more

The Legacy of Maine’s Sustainable Fishing Practices Maine is home to some of the finest lobsters in the world. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion with a lobster dinner out or have shopped with ShopLobster to get premium Maine lobster shipped, alive, directly to your table, you may know how decadent and luxurious Maine lobster can … Read more