PRESERVING OUR OCEANS AND COASTS
Maine lobstermen have long prided themselves on their sustainability efforts, with self-imposed rules to protect the lobster resource and coastal environments in place since the 1800s. Lobstermen know that in order to preserve the fishery and their way of life, they must also protect the Gulf of Maine and the sea creatures who call it home.
The fishery has partnered with scientific and environmental organizations to adapt their techniques, equipment and practices to meet changing environmental needs. Over the years, this has meant initiatives like:
- Developing and using low-impact gear to protect juvenile lobsters and the ocean environment
- Tail notching to protect breeding females
- Opposing legislation to allow indiscriminate lobster harvesting by dragging
- Setting limits on traps to manage effort on the fishery
- Setting size limits on legal lobsters to maximize breeding potential
- Mandating apprentice programs to ensure young lobstermen learn sustainability measures
SUSTAINABILITY MILESTONES
The fishery has worked tirelessly to preserve the lobster resource and the marine life, including North Atlantic right whales. Since the 1990s, lobstermen have been taking proactive steps to protect the endangered species and ensure the fishery and the whales can co-exist.
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LOBSTER INDUSTRY IN ACTION
On top of the standards followed by all lobstermen to protect the Maine marine environment and all animals who live here, many have stepped up to ingrain green initiatives into their Maine Lobster businesses.
- The Cranberry Isle Fishermen’s Co-op is 100% solar powered.
- Ready Seafood committed to becoming the first carbon neutral seafood company in America.
- Luke’s Lobster runs on 100% renewable energy.
Meet the
Lobstermen
THE FISHERY IS MY LIFE. I LIVE, BREATHE AND SLEEP LOBSTERING FOR MY SURVIVAL AND FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO COME.
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