As a lobster fisherman in Maine I seem many changes coming. I only hope it doesn’t change quite as much as the indications that are in Jay’s posts.
I don’t know that I should say much about it as I am basically of retirement age. I would like to see some of the lobstermen, and I know many are online, stop by and possibly even comment on how they feel about things that are happening.
I am more than willing to permit any lobsterman or anyone with knowledge of the business, or even just has ideas about the industry, write posts on the site.
Things seem to be moving quite fast. The possible bait shortage caused by herring will most likely cause more hardship for those that actually catch the lobsters.
I would guess there will be more studies by the government that prove the lobsters are declining and we need to save them from extinction. I know I caught more per trap this year for less money. I had fewer traps out so I caught a large amount fewer overall.
I only say that because I it could happen and I think many of those that catch lobsters, at least in the area where I fish will agree with what I said.
This leaves the government no option, but to put more regulations on the lobster fishing, or more laws to protect whales, or something that will reduce the pressure on lobsters. It really shouldn’t work to just say there are fewer unless the overall catch for the state is low.
With the unemployment rate as bad as it is in Maine it really isn’t a good time to pass legislation that will put them out of business. This might not be the goal, but the reason for the excess legislation seems elusive.
I would really like to hear from other lobster fishermen.