The U.S. State of Maine recently released its preliminary 2024 data on harvest volume and value, indicating a significant increase over 2023.
Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) statistics for 2024 indicate Maine’s commercial harvesters landed seafood worth USD 709 million (EUR 681 million) in 2024, an increase of USD 74 million (EUR 71 million) over 2023.
“During a year shaped by unprecedented storms and damage to our working waterfronts, Maine’s commercial fishermen, aquaculturists, and seafood dealers once again delivered a major economic benefit to our state,” Maine Governor Janet Mills said in a release.
Storms in early January 2024 caused widespread damage across the Maine's coast, destroying commercial docks and fishing vessels. Then-U.S. President Joe Biden ultimately approved a disaster declaration for the state, clearing the way for federal funding and assistance in the wake of the damage.
Despite the rocky start to 2024, multiple fisheries and aquaculture operations all saw successful years and value growth.
A major portion of that increase was directly tied to the state’s commercial lobster fishery, which is by far its most valuable. According to Maine DMR, the fishery brought in USD 528.4 million (EUR 507.6 million), a year-over-year increase of more than USD 46 million (EUR 44.2 million) from the USD 464 million (EUR 445 million) it took in in 2023. That increase was thanks to a high boat price of USD 6.14 (EUR 5.89) per pound for lobster, as the catch actually declined by 10 million pounds in the year.
“The boat price paid to fishermen, which is the second highest on record, reflects the continued strong demand for this signature, premium Maine product,” Mills said.
The second-most-valuable fishery in the state in 2024 was the softshell clam fishery, which earned USD 15.4 million (EUR 14.8 million) over the year – relatively flat compared to 2023. It took that spot from elvers, which was the second-most-valuable fishery in 2023.
“Maine’s softshell clam fishery continues to be one of the most lucrative and in 2024 DMR began several projects to improve management this important resource,” Maine DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher said. “DMR conducted programs to train municipal marine resource officials, held informational meetings, and provided mini grants to support municipal shellfish management and conservation work.”
Maine-grown oysters took the third spot in 2024, earning USD 14.8 million (EUR 14.2 million) for growers and harvesters in the year, up from USD 11 million (EUR 10.5 million) in 2023. Maine DMR said that was in part thanks to a USD 0.11 (EUR 0.10) price per pound increase for harvesters.
Menhaden became the fourth most valuable fishery, earning USD 13.2 million (EUR 12.7 million) in 2024 – up from the USD 10 million (EUR 9.6 million) it earned in 2023. Menhaden is a popular bait for the lobster industry, and the state has been receiving larger quotas in recent years.
Rounding out the top five fisheries by value was elvers, which dropped from second place in 2023. Maine elver fishers earned USD 12.2 million (EUR 11.7 million) in 2024, down from the USD 19.5 million (EUR 18.7 million) they earned in 2023.
“2024 was a challenging year for Maine’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries,” Keliher said. “The storms that destroyed docks and piers up and down the coast put these industries at serious risk. But thanks to Governor Mills’ success in securing funding, the state has been able help rebuild damaged coastal infrastructure, make it more resilient to the effects of climate change, and protect critically important waterfront access for those who make a living on the water.”
