Seafood News Supply & Trade

Maine lobstermen cautious of anti-trust laws

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By SeafoodSource staff
16 July, 2012 - Lobstermen up and down the Maine coast are keeping their lips sealed tighter than a lobster claw.

They can't talk about the historically high supply of their product. They can’t talk about the historically low prices they are getting for their catch. They can’t talk about whether they have agreed to keep their boats tied up until things improve -- because talking about it might imply that it's a concerted effort and a concerted effort would be a violation of federal anti-trust laws.

David Cousens of South Thomaston, president of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, often acts as a spokesman for the industry. He’s usually chatty. Reached by telephone this week, Cousens said “No comment,” before a question could even be asked. Then, he hung up.

Several other members of the lobstermen's association also declined to talk. Some indicated that they have been advised by an attorney to keep quiet.

Click here to read the full story from The Portland Press Herald >

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