About Us.

The Maine Lobstermen's Association (MLA) has played a leading role in shaping the lobster fishery for 70 years. Founded in 1954, the MLA works hard to represent our members on lobster issues. We endeavor to balance the economic realities of the industry with the conservation needs of the resource.

OUR WORK TO PROTECT MAINE'S LOBSTERING HERITAGE CONTINUES...

As a result of the June 2023 Appeals Court ruling, the National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS) Biological Opinion and the ten-year whale plan (along with its draconian 98-percent risk reduction), are no longer valid, and a law passed by Congress in December 2022 gives the industry some breathing room. To keep our fishery open, Maine lobstermen must continue to fish under the current whale protection rules. Meantime, NMFS must develop and implement a new Biological Opinion and Final Whale Rule by the end of 2028 without skewing the science against the Maine lobster fishery. Meantime, MLA will need the financial resources required to continue to advocate strongly for a plan that will protect whales without sacrificing the lobster fishery and Maine’s lobstering heritage. Your ongoing support is critical. Please consider donating.

Board of Directors

Maine Lobstermen's Association directors are the leaders of Maine's lobstering industry. Their perspectives and experiences are what contribute to the overall voice of the MLA. Unified in one mission, advocating for a sustainable lobster resource that the fishermen and communities depend on.

Directors serve a three-year term and are responsible for communicating feedback from members. Their interactions with lobstermen on the docks in their communities help keep the organization informed. Directors are elected by the membership at the MLA Annual Meeting.