Lobster harvest looking good


OWLS HEAD, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Many of us think of lobster in the summer, but fall is the big time for the Maine lobster harvest.

According to the Maine Lobster Promotion Council, Fishermen catch 50% or more of their lobsters during an 11-week period from late September through October, November and even early December. And so far this year, fishermen say the catch is good.

Davis Cousens of the Maine Lobstermen's Association says that in places like Stonington, the lobster catch has been "awesome." Lobster dealers say large catches have been reported by fishermen on Vinalhaven and some other harbors.

Cousens says many places along the cost are seeing slight increases over last year. Just as important for fishermen, however, is price.

Fishermen and dealers say the so-called "boat price" has remained at around $3.80 per pound - substantially higher than it has been over the past two years. That higher price has a direct impact in lobstermen's bottom line, says Cousens, and it also helps the coastal economy.

For the past two years fishermen have had to be tight with their money, as record low prices threatened to put some people out of business. This year's prices and good catch should give lobstermen some needed breathing room.

Cousens says it will help some people catch up on back payments for boats, and let others finally spend money on replacement traps, trucks or other equipment. He says the current price is still as much as a $1.50 per pound less than fishermen were paid four years ago, but it is still a big improvement.