AUGUSTA, Maine — August 17, 2012 — The state's Lobster Advisory Council voted unanimously Thursday to move forward with a $3 million plan to market Maine lobster in an effort to boost prices, which are at their lowest level in 30 years.
The details of the marketing plan and the way it gets funded — such as through higher lobster license fees — must be determined by the state Legislature.
The 11-member council approved the plan during a meeting that drew about 50 people from the lobster industry. Some lobstermen balked at the idea of higher fees, but others embraced the idea of marketing to try to increase demand for Maine's most abundant seafood.
"For about $500 more, you're buying $3 million of promotion," said Peter Miller, a lobsterman from Tenants Harbor, estimating what increased fees would cost him. "That's a pretty good investment. Hopefully it will lead to more consumption as demand increases, and more demand will lead to higher prices.
"I see advertisements for California dairy on TV in Maine," he said. "Why can't they see ads for Maine lobster there?"
The $3 million campaign would far exceed the Lobster Advisory Council's current marketing budget of about $400,000. The new budget and marketing effort would be phased in over three years.
Read the full story at the Portland Press Herald.