Maine's lobster industry is celebrating the withdrawal of a proposed size limit change that has stirred debate among fishermen and regulators alike.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Lobster Board previously delayed a proposed gauge size increase – which would increase the legal minimum size of a lobster by one-sixteenth of an inch.
After the first delay in 2023, the ASMFC Lobster Board again delayed the increase in October 2024 until 1 July 2025, as the industry called on the proposal to be scrapped.
The issue flared up again at a Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) meeting in Augusta on 9 January. The seemingly minor adjustment of one-sixteenth of an inch has ignited fierce opposition from the lobstering community, with many saying they fear the economic repercussions could be devastating. Some lobstermen said they’ve even gone as far as testing out the measure for themselves before it goes into effect in July to prove the impacts, showing they’d lose a significant portion of their catch.
Opposition grew fierce during the meeting, when Maine DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher was accused of capitulating to federal regulators and Canada. In a moment of frustration, Keliher responded with an “F-you” to a lobsterman in the audience – an incident he later apologized for, citing his deep commitment to the industry and the pressures of the moment.
Ultimately, the Maine DMR decided to withdraw the proposal – which according to Keliher means the state will have to come up with a new plan to remain in compliance with the ASMFC Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for Lobster.
"I remain dedicated to working in support of this industry and will continue to strengthen the relationships and build the trust necessary to address the difficult and complex tasks that lay ahead," Keliher said in a statement following the meeting.
Congressman Jared Golden, a staunch advocate for Maine's lobster industry, praised the decision to withdraw the proposal.
"I have always said that Maine’s lobstermen are the best, most informed conservationists for this precious and storied fishery," Golden said.
Virginia Olsen, director of the Maine Lobstering Union, thanked Golden for the support.
“Our members are very happy that the lobster gauge increase has been shelved and grateful to Congressman Golden for his unwavering support for Maine lobstermen,” Olsen said.
Dustin Delano, chief operating officer of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA), echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of standing up against regulations that could harm the industry.
“NEFSA is grateful to Commissioner Keliher for pulling down the proposed rule in the State of Maine, and we hope New Hampshire and Massachusetts will follow suit. We have fought hard to bring the overwhelming opposition of the lobster fishery to every table from the State of Maine to ASMFC,” Delano said. “NEFSA is confident that the possibility of non-compliance was a risk worth taking to avoid many lobstermen and processors going out of business.”
Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) COO Patrice McCarron said the withdrawal came about thanks to members of the fishery making their voices heard.
“The Maine Lobstermen’s Association has long been opposed to a gauge increase due to concern over the economic impacts on the industry and has called on regulators to provide more time to collect more accurate data on lobster populations," McCarron said. "The MLA appreciates DMR’s willingness to listen to the industry’s concerns and to work with us and other industry advocates on a reasonable path forward that will not only protect the resource but also safeguard lobstermen against the financial harm we believe would have been caused."
The proposal was originally intended to address a reported 35 percent decline in the lobster population within the state's primary fishing area – Lobster Management Area 1 – as highlighted by data from the ASMFC. However, many fishermen have questioned the accuracy of this data, claiming it doesn’t match up with what they’re seeing. Fishermen also said the rules would put them at a competitive disadvantage to Canadian harvesters, who operate under different regulations.
Regardless of the reasons for withdrawing the proposal, the fishery will now have to grapple with what comes next.
"If the state were not to implement this regulation, it’s possible that the state could be found out of compliance with that fishery management plan. That could ultimately result in the closure of the fishery,” Maine DMR Communications Director Jeff Nichols said.
Looking ahead, the community is bracing for further discussions and potential regulatory changes. The DMR has scheduled another public hearing in early February, with a final vote on the proposed rule still pending. Meanwhile, the fishing community is rallying together, as evidenced by the strong turnout at the recent meeting – both in person and via Zoom.
"We had 100 in-person lobstermen and 100 Zoom attendees, but I know plenty more who could’ve been there. Even if it’s just sitting in a chair, it matters. Together, we can make this industry OURS again,” a post on the All Things Lobstering Facebook page – which became a hub for community reactions to the proposal – said.