Maine Lobstermen's Association

07/23/2025

The US Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced a major funding package that includes critical support for Maine lobstermen thanks to the leadership of U.S. Senator Susan Collins.

This is a strong step forward in ensuring Maine’s lobster fishery remains sustainable, science-based, and led by the people who know it best... the lobstermen.

📍 Next stop: the full Senate and House.

🔗Read more: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majority/bill-to-support-maines-lobster-industry-clears-appropriations-committee

07/22/2025

MLA board member and longtime fisherman Gerry Cushman welcomed the 2024 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate nominees to his dock this week for a conversation about Maine’s iconic lobster industry.

As part of their journey toward becoming this year’s delegate, the nominees are learning about the hard work, heritage, and sustainability practices that make our fishery world-renowned. Gerry shared his firsthand experience on the water and answered their thoughtful questions about what it takes to be a Maine lobsterman today.

The Maine Lobster Festival Delegate program celebrates leadership, community spirit, and a passion for preserving our coastal traditions & these young women are off to a strong start!

Learn more about the delegates here: program here: https://mainelobsterfestival.com/blog/2025/07/18/2025-delegates/

07/22/2025

🦞 We're incredibly grateful for the support our awareness campaign has received since its launch.

From fellow lobstermen and coastal communities to partners across the industry, it's clear that people understand how important it is to protect this way of life & the resource it depends on… for future generations.

Together, we’re making a difference. 🙌

07/21/2025

📺In the News: MLA board member, and first-generation lobsterman, Christian LaMontagne appeared on FOX23 today to talk about the new awareness campaign launched by the MLA & New England Fishermen's Stewardship Association.

Christian spoke about the responsibility lobstermen have to protect and conserve the resource, not just for today, but for future generations.

Maine lobstermen leading the way in stewardship and sustainability. Thanks Christian!🦞👏

🔗https://wgme.com/news/arc-maine/v-notching-campaign-aims-to-ensure-sustainable-lobster-population-in-maine-maine-lobstermens-association-new-england-fishermens-stewardship-association

07/21/2025

MLA is pleased to be partnering with New England Fishermen's Stewardship Association on this initiative. We’re proud of the men & women who go to work on the water, not just to catch lobster, but to protect a way of life for future generations.

NEFSA and Maine Lobstermen's Association are joining forces to promote v-notching - an effective and necessary practice that helps conserve the lobster population in the Gulf of Maine.

“It’s critical that all Maine lobstermen remember that their success is, in large part, the result of those who v-notched lobsters before, and they must continue the practice to pay it forward.”

https://www.pressherald.com/2025/07/21/maines-lobstermen-must-keep-on-v-notching-opinion/

07/21/2025

Today, July 21, 2025, is Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day. It’s a solemn day to honor the hardworking men and women of Maine’s commercial fishing community & especially those who never returned home.

☀️ We pause to remember the brave fishermen who lost their lives to unpredictable seas and the daily dangers of working on the water.
👨‍👩‍👦 We extend our deepest sympathies and support to their families, friends, and fellow fishermen still working on the waterfront.
⚓️ As the proclamation highlights, this is also a day to renew our commitment to safety, training, and resources that protect those who continue this vital work.

Today, let’s stand together with Maine’s fishing communities... remembering the past and strengthening the future for those who still brave the ocean to feed our families.

🔗https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/official_documents/proclamations/2025-07-maine-commercial-fishing-remembrance-day-july-21

07/17/2025

🦞 Great morning on the Portland waterfront! The Maine Lobstermen’s Association was proud to team up with the American Bankers Association to host a tour of one of Ready Seafood’s processing facility.

Banking professionals and their families from across the country got a behind-the-scenes look at Maine’s lobster industry & came away with a deeper understanding of its vital role in our state’s economy.

Huge thanks to Brian Skoczenski and the team at Ready for sharing their time and insights!

07/15/2025

🧊🚛𝐌𝐋𝐀 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑜 𝐾𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑁𝑜𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡🚛🧊

Please join us in thanking Thermo King Northeast, our July Business Member of the Month, for their support of Maine’s lobstering community!

From dock to distributor, Thermo King’s transport refrigeration systems help ensure that Maine lobster arrives fresh, safe, and top quality, no matter the destination. Their 24/7 service and deep commitment to Maine’s working waterfronts make them an invaluable partner to our industry.

As sales manager Eddie Sullivan puts it: “We’re proud to stand with an organization that advocates tirelessly for the future of Maine’s fishermen, families, and coastal communities.”

🔗https://www.mlcalliance.org/post/mla-business-member-spotlight-thermo-king-northeast

💙 Let’s return the favor. Support the businesses that support us.

📍 Thermo King Northeast
110 Gray Road, Falmouth
📞 207-810-2169
🌐 thermokingnortheast.com

07/15/2025

The Maine Lobstermen’s Association stands in solemn support of Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day, taking place Monday, July 21 at the Lost Fishermen's Memorial in Lubec. This day is dedicated to honoring the hardworking Maine lobstermen and fishermen who have died at sea & those who gave their lives doing the work that sustains our coastal communities and heritage.

Governor Mills has officially recognized July 21 as a day of remembrance for those we’ve lost.

We encourage all who can to attend the ceremony in Lubec, to stand with fishing families from across the coast, and to help ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten. 🕯️🕯️

Maine Lobstermen's AssociationFishing Partnership Support ServicesMaine Lobster Community AllianceMaine Coast Fishermen's AssociationMaine Department of Marine ResourcesSunrise County Economic CouncilMaine Center for Coastal FisheriesNortheast Center Commercial Fishing Health & Safety Downeast Lobstermen's Association

07/12/2025

🛠️🚤 Beals Island’s own Isaac Beal has been honored with a well-deserved spot in the Maine Boat Builders Hall of Fame. At 83, his lifelong dedication to boatbuilding and tradition is an inspiration. Check out his story below! ⬇️

Isaac Beal, 83, of Beal’s Island was inducted into the Maine Boat Builders Hall of Fame in May.Beal was honored at a ceremony held in early May and presented with his own captain's chair. Photo by H. Beal. As Jon Johansen wrote in Maine Coastal News last year, “Isaac did not start out as a fishe...

07/11/2025

🦞 Attention Maine Lobster License Holders:

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and the Lobster Advisory Council (LAC) are conducting a survey this summer of all licensed lobster harvesters and dealers. The survey is intended to gather input on Maine’s lobster resource and fishery.

A paper copy has been mailed to license holders, along with a prepaid return envelope. Responses are due by Friday, August 1, 2025, and can be returned by mail (must be postmarked by that date) or completed online using the QR code provided in the mailing.

DMR has stated that responses will be used to inform discussions at the Lobster Advisory Council, Zone Council meetings this fall, and at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), including development of potential management strategies for the fishery.

Participation in the survey is voluntary but encouraged. Anyone with questions about the survey can contact Lorraine Morris, Marine Resource Management Coordinator, at (207) 441-5319 or [email protected].

07/09/2025

🦞 For the future lobsterman, or just the stylish kid, in your life!

Our MLA Youth T-shirt is soft, durable, and made to stand up to any adventure on land or sea. Featuring a colorful logo and available in seven great colors, it's a perfect gift for the next generation of Maine pride.

👕 Unisex fit
🌊 Sizes for all kids
🎨 4 color choices

Support Maine’s lobstering heritage & outfit your kid in something that means something.

👉 Order yours today: https://www.mainelobstermen.org/product-page/sml-youth-tee