Why Fishermen Are Catching Fewer Lobsters In Maine

Travis Dammier, a 41-year-old lobsterman, has been struggling to make a living due to declining lobster hauls, rising costs, and tightening government regulations. Dammier's daily catch has decreased, and he has to venture further out to sea, spending more time away from home. He fondly recalls the abundant lobster catches of the 1990s and 2000s, but those days are gone. The lobster fishing industry is facing challenges, including rising costs, uncertain profits, and declining landing volumes. Dammier's love for lobster fishing is the only constant, inherited from his grandfather. Working alone on a lobster boat presents unique challenges, and finding qualified workers is difficult. Many experienced lobstermen are leaving the business due to rising operating costs and state regulations. Maine's lobster catches have dropped for the third consecutive year, with a decline from 111 million pounds in 2021 to 87 million pounds in 2024. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute attributes the decline to ocean warming, which has caused the optimal summer temperatures for lobsters to shift northeastward. Despite the decline, lobster fishing remains profitable, and the industry is adapting to the changes.