In a state where so many people have connections to the lobster industry, almost everyone knows at least one lobsterman in their lives. And while Richard Howland didn’t come from a fishing family, it didn’t mean he wasn’t instantly hooked.
“All my friends were from lobster families, and I looked up to them. So, the thought of becoming a lobsterman was always in the back of my head.”
As he grew up, Richard’s idolization of lobstermen grew to the point that he decided to pursue it himself. He got his student license, lobstered on and off as a teenager, and then got a job on an offshore lobster boat.
It was there – where he was on the water all day – that he knew he had found his calling.
“I loved it,” he remarked with a glow in his eye. “You work hard. You’re free. The guy I worked for didn’t talk much and I was fine with that. I had the entire sea to listen to.”
Ever since then, lobstering has been Richard’s mainstay. Not only a source of income, but more importantly, a personal stability.
“Life has its ups and downs, but lobstering has always been there for me. It is something I look forward to, and it gets me out of bed every morning.”
Richard’s rising and shining isn’t easy, but he wouldn’t want another job. His normal day starts with getting out of bed at 2:00 am and getting on his boat, Victoria – named for one of Magellan’s boats that first sailed around the world in 1521 – where he then works a 12-hour day.
As a lobsterman, Richard has had the opportunity to learn from and work alongside people who have been in the industry for even longer than he’s been alive. One of his mentors, Bruce Fernald, has been in the industry for 51 years and taught him about the importance of sustainability. He’s learned that the longer you’re in the industry, the more it feels like a family.
“Bruce is my mentor, and I look up to him. They’ve done the hard work to preserve the lobster resource and our environment. So, I need to continue to do the same. I don’t want to let them down.”
What is your favorite way to eat Maine Lobster?
“My favorite way to eat Maine Lobster is in a taco.”
What is the best part of living in Maine?
“Living here is like being part of a family. There are always opportunities here to be with your neighbors working on a project, fundraising, etc.”
What makes you proud to go to work every day?
“I’m proud to be a part of this industry because of all the hard-working people who make up the fishery.”
What is special to you about Maine Lobster or the Maine Lobster fishery?
“What’s special to me about the Maine Lobster fishery are the sustainability and conservation methods.”
Meet The People Behind the Fishery
A diverse group of people passionate about Maine and the lobster industry.
