Founded in 1954, the Maine Lobstermen's Association works hard to protect the lobster resource, our traditions and way of life.  Founded on the principles of unity and cooperation, the MLA was formed by lobstermen to empower Maine’s lobster industry by speaking with a united voice.  Our strength is in our numbers. 

We are the largest commercial fishing industry group on the east coast, representing the interests of 1200 lobstermen from Eastport to Kittery.  As a commercial fishing organization, we are only as strong as our membership.  If you are a lobsterman, we work for you and need your support!

The MLA is governed by a Board of Directors elected at the Annual Meeting held each March.  As member representatives, our Directors meet monthly to discuss MLA business and pressing issues.  We strive to keep our membership informed of important issues through our monthly newsletter, email list and monthly member meetings.  MLA Directors and staff are always available to answer questions or listen to ideas and concerns. 

Maine lobstermen know how to conserve the resource and how to keep our industry healthy.  But what makes sense to us often does not make sense to managers, scientists or politicians. For nearly half a century the MLA has been fighting for common sense solutions such as the maximum gauge and v-notching, ensuring that resource conservation is balanced with economic survival.  The MLA has tirelessly represented the lobster industry on important issues ranging from management to right whales, research to promotion, and education to environment.  We have been leaders in pioneering new ideas such as “co-management”, “conservation” and “collaborative research”. 

Our reputation is strong; fishermen, managers, scientists, legislators and others look to the MLA for leadership.  The MLA has accomplished a lot over the years and we have plenty to be proud of.  As we resolve old issues, we are presented with new challenges. As issues emerge, we continue to advocate for the preservation of our communities and our way of life so that both the lobster resource and lobstermen survive.

We need your input and support to continue moving forward and ensure that we preserve the traditions which are important to Maine lobstermen. Join us so we may better understand and represent our industry and continue to speak with a united voice.