Herring seiner Western Sea off Matinicus, Maine. Herring, the strength of the stock, how it is fished and the security in it as lobster bait, continues to be discussed and debated among regulators. Habitat restoration on the Penobscot River since 2012 has already significantly boosted alewive numbers there. Alewives had been the lobster bait of choice in Maine. NOAA has officially committed resources to further restore fish habitat in the Penobscot River watershed to strengthen sustainable fisheries and diversity. ©Joel Woods photo
Lobster Boom: How Long Can it Last?
by Laurie Schreiber
ROCKPORT—Some in Maine’s lobster industry are wondering if the booming resource is starting to decline.
From 1977 to 1990, landings hovered in the 18-million to 28-million-pound range.
Then for two decades landings began a steep ascent, to nearly 128 million pounds in 2013.
The following year saw a decline to 124 million pounds. And last year’s landings were down to 121 million pounds.
