August 29, 2012 — While a “perfect storm” of circumstances has made the situation especially bad, the factors behind it are not new. They are longstanding problems that coastal communities have been working to address. Maybe the only upside to this summer is that these problems have made the front page, where they can finally get the attention they deserve.
Early shedding, rock-bottom prices, and blockades—it’s been a terribly frustrating summer for Maine lobstermen and coastal communities.
While a “perfect storm” of circumstances has made the situation especially bad, the factors behind it are not new. They are longstanding problems that coastal communities have been working to address. Maybe the only upside to this summer is that these problems have made the front page, where they can finally get the attention they deserve.
The first sign of trouble this season was when Maine lobstermen caught an early influx of “shedders.” The mild winter and warm spring forced lobster to molt several weeks early. Normally, they are caught in July, with the majority sent to Canada for processing. Instead, they were caught in May when those facilities already had a ready supply from Canadian fishermen. Without another outlet to market shedders, prices fell to the point where lobstermen couldn’t cover expenses.
Things have gotten even worse in recent weeks as Canadian fishermen have stopped some Maine lobster from reaching processing plants. I have urged Canadian officials, including the consul general and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, to protect those shipments.
Another step I’ve taken to help the industry through this trying time has been to ask cruise ships visiting Maine to buy local lobster. I’m glad to see companies, state officials, and the entire Congressional Delegation all join forces to support these kinds of efforts. But what happens after the immediate crisis is over? It’s my hope that we can continue to work together to address the root problems that are creating long-term uncertainty for our coastal communities’ future.
One of the emerging threats is climate change. Research being done in Maine has found that climate change has already impacted valuable fisheries around the world. The recent shift in lobster shedding is another troubling sign. We’re fortunate to have institutions like the University of Maine and Gulf of Maine Research Institute working on these problems, but we need to support additional research so we can prepare for any changes on the way.
It’s also clear that we rely too heavily on Canada for processing lobster. There’s no reason to send so much lobster to Canada when processing can support jobs here in Maine. It’s great to see that companies in Maine have started to make progress in increasing our capacity—like what 23-year-old Kyle Murdock is doing at Sea Hag Seafood in Tenants Harbor—but we should do more to support that kind of entrepreneurship.
Additional marketing of Maine seafood also holds promise. With the public’s growing appreciation for sustainable seafood, the health of Maine’s lobster fishery could be a major asset. And there’s no doubt that Maine seafood still has huge potential to expand around the country and world.
There are several ways to strengthen marketing efforts, including building on the work of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council, reaching the untapped market of visiting cruise ships, and helping fishermen sell their products directly to consumers. Part of my legislation, the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act, would do this by supporting marketing efforts of fishermen’s co-ops and community-supported fisheries.
Perhaps most importantly, this summer has reminded us that we need to protect our coastal communities from shocks in one market by making sure that other parts of their economies are strong. In other words, we should continue to support all fisheries in Maine and related industries with working waterfront investment, promotional efforts, and research.
In Maine’s coastal communities, lobster and marine trades are key to our economy. Just as importantly, it’s a way of life that we love. Maine isn’t just a pretty coastline. We’re one of the best places to see a valuable marine resource economy in motion. But this recent crisis in the lobster market shows that we need to do more to protect those jobs and that legacy.
Read the full story on the Working Waterfront