lobster fishing

Maine is the largest lobster-producing state in the U.S. Some of the gear used to catch the crustaceans poses an entanglement risk to the endangered North American right whale population.

Citing risk to endangered whales, Whole Foods hits pause on Maine lobster — for now

1:39pm November 30, 2022

by Rachel Treisman

Two seafood monitoring groups downgraded Maine lobster's sustainability ratings, prompting Whole Foods to pause purchases. Here's how environmental groups and state leaders are reacting.

The steel used to build lobster traps like these, stacked up outside a fish market on Martha's Vineyard, is getting pricier, thanks to new tariffs.

Got Lobster? Trump's Steel Tariffs Threaten Trap Industry

5:05am June 21, 2018

by Craig LeMoult

The factory that makes wire mesh used in the majority of North American lobster traps says steel tariffs will spike the cost of their product, and lobstermen will bear the brunt of the higher prices.

Queue Listen Now

North Atlantic right whales are at risk of extinction because they often become ensnared in ropes used to guide lobster traps along the Northeastern U.S. and Canadian coastline.

To Save Whales, Maine's Iconic Lobster Industry May Have To Change

9:46am March 24, 2018

by Fred Bever

Scientists says to help whales, the ropes used to tend lobster traps must be changed or eliminated. Mainers who catch lobster for a living feel they're being singled out for an international problem.

Maine's lobster fleet has a growing number of women who, like Sadie Samuels, are running their own boats, and busting stereotypes along the way.

National

More Women Move Into Maine's Rough And Risky World Of Lobstering

4:15pm August 02, 2017

by Murray Carpenter

Lobstering has traditionally been considered a man's job. But Maine's lobster fleet has a growing number of women who are running their own boats, and busting stereotypes along the way.

Unseasonable warm weather has made for a longer lobstering season for fishermen in Maine.

Warm Weather Extends Maine's Lobster Season

3:35pm December 28, 2015

by Laura Wagner

Not only has the warm winter lengthened lobster season for fishermen, but it could make lobsters susceptible to new predators and diseases.