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How much do we really know about the lobster
industry? We know that it is extremely important to the State of Maine and
the region economically, socially, and culturally. We know that the fishery
was worth over $296 million in Maine in 2005. But what would happen to the
fishery or the state if there was a downturn in the lobster resource? How do
we define the fishery as a group of vulnerable small business? The Gulf of
Maine Research Institute conducted “A Socio-economic Study of the Lobster
Industry” to better understand the industry in terms of its employment
statistics, how vulnerable lobstermen are to a decline in landings, and how
management changes may affect the industry. The telephone survey was
conducted in the spring of 2006 in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
How does Maine compare to the other states in New England? The initial
findings were reviewed at this seminar and attendees discussed how to make
the information most useful to the industry and managers.
Host:
Patrice McCarron, Maine Lobstermen’s Assn. |
Welcome
to the 
