Concerned about the affect of the economy on Maine’s lobstering industry, businesses in Midcoast Maine have begun organizing grassroots events to revitalize the market and show support for local fishermen.
“Buying locally harvested lobsters now is an important way that we can show support for Maine’s lobster industry and families as they go through this very difficult period,” said Maine Governor John E. Baldacci in statement. “Helping our neighbors is something Mainers are known for, almost as much as we are known for our lobsters.”
“The industry needs to work on long-term distribution of product; that will be resolved in due time. In the meantime, Mainers need to come together and support our neighbors by buying lobster now. Buy it. Eat it. Freeze it,” said Bob Hastings, Executive Director Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Dianne Ward, owner and innkeeper of Kenniston Hill Inn in Boothbay (www.kennistonhillinn.com), has taken the initiative of organizing interested B&Bs in the region to offer lobster for breakfast.
Guests will enjoy a variety of delicacies ranging from a whole lobster-to-lobster quiche or omelet and other lobster specialties.
“I have gone lobstering a couple of times now, and it’s truly amazing what hard work it is,” said Ward. “I have found the lobstermen that I have met to be some of the most genuine, honest, caring hardworking people-they are what is real Maine.”
Maine’s lobster industry finds itself hard pressed by current weak and uncertain global economic conditions. With the collapse of Icelandic banks on Oct. 6, lines of credit have been suspended.
Canadian fish processors, primary purchasers of Maine lobster who in the past relied on those lines of credit, no longer have the funds to purchase Maine lobster. With people in restaurants spending less, “luxury” items like lobster are also beginning to disappear from menus.
As a result, the dock price for Maine lobsters dropped 50 percent. October, the height of the lobstering season is supposed to be when fishermen make enough to support themselves through winter when conditions are often too harsh to fish.
