Maine’s two senators are asking the nation to take a day in September to celebrate one of the ocean’s most valuable and sought after catches, as well as the men and women whose livelihoods depend on landing the tasty crustaceans.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins and independent Sen. Angus King introduced a resolution Wednesday that would designate Sept. 25 as “National Lobster Day.”
Several other senators from New England states have signed on to sponsor the resolution, which aims to recognize the historic and economic importance of the lobster industry.
“Lobsters are an economic force in coastal Maine communities and have supported the livelihoods of generations of lobstermen, processors, and dealers,” Collins and King said in a joint statement. “In addition, this shellfish has become a Maine icon, with an international reputation that plays an important role in attracting millions of visitors to our state each summer.”
According to King and Collins, lobster is one of the most valuable catches in the United States, with approximately 150 million pounds valued at more than $500 million landed each year.
Earlier this year, King and Collins pushed back against a Department of Interior proposal that would have opened up the Gulf of Maine to offshore drilling.
Matt Jacobson, executive director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative, commended the senators for bringing forth the resolution.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
