Maine Lobster Conservation Program
In 2005, the lobster industry recorded another strong year of landings posting 67,348,674 pounds of lobster valued at a record $311, 574,974 (source, Maine Department of Marine Resources).
Commercial landings info for lobster have not yet been finalized for 2006.
The lobster industry has played a key role in the success of the industry through a strong conservation and stewardship ethic. The MLA has lead the charge over the years to implement laws and conservation measures to sustainably manage the resource. Some of the key management elements currently in place include:
- Maine’s lobster industry is an owner operator fishery
- Lobster licenses can not be sold or transferred
- The fishery is prosecuted through small boats (<50ft) and traps
- New entrants must complete an Apprentice Program consisting of a minimum of 2 years comprised of 1000 hours to qualify
- The lobster industry has long supported and self enforced strict
conservation measures
including minimum and maximum carapace sizes, trap limits, escape vents in traps, a trap only fishery, protection of egg bearing lobsters and vnotch protection.
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