For just the second time, DMR is reporting bonuses received by lobster fishermen which, while they only include reports from just over half of Maine\u2019s co-ops, total over $7.5 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile this figure is not complete, it does provide a better indication of the overall economic benefit of this fishery,\u201d said DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher.<\/p>\n
Added to the overall landed value, the bonus figure brings the total to more than $464 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the 2014 season we saw a perfect mix of conditions for economic improvement in the Maine lobster fishery,\u201d Keliher said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only were landings at an historic high again, a more predictably timed shed improved industry\u2019s ability to manage the supply.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unlike the 2012 season when an early shed created a supply of new shell lobsters that exceeded demand and depressed value, the shed in 2014 happened later, allowing processors, dealers, and restaurants to handle them more profitably.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother significant reason for the improved value for Maine lobster this past year is the effort of Maine\u2019s lobster dealers who worked hard to expand markets for Maine lobster,\u201d said Keliher.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat work will continue as the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative begins working with global marketing powerhouse Weber Shandwick to grow markets for this sustainably harvested Maine seafood.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust as important, the Maine lobster industry\u2019s steadfast compliance with conservation laws and regulations has contributed to historic landings for a third year in a row,\u201d said Keliher.<\/p>\n
\u201cMeasures such as size limits and prohibitions on taking egg bearing female lobsters are embraced by industry.\u00a0 That voluntary compliance is the backbone of the Maine lobster fishery\u2019s success.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carl Wilson, DMR\u2019s marine science bureau director, added that \u201cfavorable environmental conditions for growth and reduced predation on small lobsters have allowed the resource to expand dramatically since the late 1980s, and in particular in eastern Maine in the last 10 years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among several indicators of resource health tracked by DMR, the settlement index, which tracks the settlement of lobster larvae to the ocean floor and allows scientists to forecast future abundance, shows an improved picture for the future of the resource.<\/p>\n
Last year \u201cmarked a return to near average levels of settlement after three successive years of low settlement, which was a favorable pattern change for the resource,\u201d said Wilson.<\/p>\n
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The big picture<\/b><\/p>\n
For the third straight year, Maine\u2019s commercially harvested marine resources increased in overall value and generated over one-half billion dollars for the state\u2019s economy, according to preliminary data released by DMR.<\/p>\n
The total value of Maine\u2019s…<\/p>\n
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Read the rest of this story and much, much more in the April issue of\u00a0Commercial Fisheries News<\/em>. \u00a0Buy this issue or\u00a0Subscribe<\/a>.\u00a0[add_to_cart=6436]<\/strong><\/p>\n (Read online immediately with access key and download for future reference.)<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Big landings, huge value, and improved boat price HALLOWELL, ME \u2013 While it may not have come as a surprise, the timely announcement of record-breaking Maine lobster landings and value for 2014 certainly provided the backdrop for a truly celebratory weekend at this year\u2019s 40th anniversary of the Maine Fishermen\u2019s Forum in early March. The … <\/p>\n