After the collapse of prices paid to Maine lobstermen last October, many were hoping that this summer would bring better news. It hasn’t.
The boat price paid to lobstermen is the lowest it has been since 1990. The cost of fuel, bait and other supplies is considerably higher, which means that for many lobstermen, the low price does not make it worth the cost of hauling traps.
With no sign of the price getting better in the fall, the situation looks extremely bleak for lobstermen this season.
While acknowledging the difficult plight of lobstermen, we are encouraged that groups of lobstermen are taking chances and trying new ways to store, market and sell lobster.
Last fall, the Winter Harbor Lobster Co-op decided to invest in a refrigerated holding system that can hold 23,000 pounds of lobster. By keeping the lobsters alive at a cooler temperature they plan to keep on hand a consistent supply of hard shell lobster which can be sold for a higher price. A lobster broker is working with Jonesport lobstermen to time their fishing days based on market demand, and fish less, in order to get higher prices.
In Casco Bay, a group of lobstermen is creating their own brand of hand-selected lobsters to try to reach consumers who want to know where their food comes from and who is catching their lobsters.
These actions are especially significant because they are in the spirit of recommendations in the Maine Lobster Industry Strategic Plan, by The Moseley Group. The consultant prepared the plan for the Governor’s Task Force on the Economic Sustainability of Maine’s Lobster Industry, appointed by Gov. John Baldacci last fall.
One recommendation is to recognize that there are many different kinds of consumers, and to look at their specific buying habits in order to tailor direct marketing to these consumers. Another Moseley recommendation is that the state encourage entrepreneurship that supports innovation. The lobster task force’s final recommendations will be released soon, and will address the entire industry.
These lobstermen mentioned here are not attempting large-scale reform. They are significant because they show that some lobstermen are willing to try new ideas, at a time when changes in the industry will be necessary for it to continue to prosper.
And in this time of crisis, sometimes small groups can point the way to solutions that will benefit everyone. As anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”