WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Ranking Member of the Commerce subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, today celebrated National Lobster Day by honoring Maine’s legendary lobstermen for their pioneering spirit and contributions to the nation’s fishing industry.
Senator Snowe said:
“Behind our state’s reputation for the world’s finest and most delicious lobster, we have thousands of hardworking lobstermen and women to thank. Maine is known worldwide for its first-rate lobster because of the iconic lobstermen who have dedicated their lives to this legendary industry. In recent years, our lobstermen have endured a perfect storm of economic and regulatory hardships that have threatened their industry, and I commend their resiliency. Today, Maine remains a global leader in lobster fishing, effectively managing and sustaining this vital resource and contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to our state’s economy. In honor of National Lobster Day, I encourage all Americans to enjoy a Maine lobster and to think of the great contributions of the men and women behind this vital industry. As Ranking Member of both the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and the Coast Guard and the Small Business Committee, I continue to be steadfast in my commitment to the foster the businesses and the workers involved with this critical Maine industry.”
BACKGROUND: According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), more than 93 million pounds of lobster were caught in Maine’s waters in 2010 valued at more than $308 million dollars. In addition, DMR indicates there are nearly 6,000 licensed commercial lobstermen in Maine.