Lobster Rolls at Risk of Price Surge Amid Decline in Catches
Portland, Maine – Maine’s lobster industry is under pressure as this winter’s harsh conditions have significantly impacted fishing activity, leading to reduced catches and escalating costs. The state, which is the largest lobster producer in the U.S., has now seen its total lobster catches decline for four consecutive years, according to the Maine Department of Marine Resources.
One major issue has been a reduction in the number of fishing days. In fact, Maine lobster fishermen undertook 21,000 more trips in 2025 compared to 2024, yet the overall landings plummeted to just over 78 million pounds—the lowest since 2008.
Greg Turner, a lobsterman, explained, “It started in December, a month usually bustling with fishing. But this time, we faced challenges.” He noted that, during the height of winter, his crew could only fish about half the days they normally would. “If it’s zero and minus 25 degrees, you can’t go out; if something happens, you’re in serious trouble,” he said.
Winter’s freezing temperatures have also changed lobster movements, further reducing catches. According to Turner, “Lobsters tend to slow down and stop crawling sooner in colder water because they’re less inclined to eat.”
The difficulties in the lobster industry are compounded by rising inflation and market uncertainties across various sectors, including diesel and crude oil prices. Maine Department of Marine Resources Secretary Carl Wilson indicated that these factors would challenge fishermen’s profit margins, especially as slower molting limits the availability of new lobsters in summer months.
While commercial harvesters in Maine generated over $600 million in revenue in 2025—marking the 14th year in which revenue topped $500 million—many fishermen feel that this increased income hasn’t translated into real profits. “We’re seeing prices for everything we need increase, yet we aren’t feeling the gains,” Turner commented.
Although the average dock price remains relatively high at $5.85 per pound, industry advocates argue that prices need to rise further to support local fishermen. Alexa Dayton, executive director of the Maine Coastal Fisheries Center, emphasized the necessity of ensuring that a larger portion of profits reaches fishermen directly: “Higher prices at the docks are crucial; it’s about supporting our community’s backbone.”
Dayton is conducting a survey to gauge costs among lobstermen, with early findings showing that fishing hours have dropped dramatically this winter. “They should ideally be out 15 days a month, but this year, they’re only going out about five,” she noted.
There are also stark differences in ocean conditions across the state. For instance, the waters in Down East Maine are much colder than average, while other areas are facing warmer temperatures, complicating the situation for lobsters. Dayton mentioned, “It can just be too cold for them.”
Additionally, prices for bait have surged by as much as 350% since 2010, significantly impacting fishermen’s bottom lines. “What’s left in your pocket after all is what really matters,” she reflected.
This financial strain extends beyond fishing and seeps into local economies, with many coastal communities relying heavily on fisheries for their livelihoods. Dayton remarked, “The stress of making ends meet is affecting both the fishing industry and the local economy, given that many of these communities are so heavily dependent on fishing.”
Most Maine lobster fishermen operate as small independent businesses, making them particularly susceptible to market fluctuations. “Our fishermen are unique in that they’re not part of large corporations,” Turner added, highlighting the special nature of their operations.
