Maine's catch of lobster declines again as high costs and climate change impact industry

"The haul of lobsters, Maine's best known export and a key piece of the state's identity and culture, has declined every year since 2021, and some scientists have cited as a reason warming oceans that spur migration to Canadian waters."

"This combination of factors likely contributed to the decline from 2024 to 2025 in the lobster harvest of more than eight million pounds and a decrease in the overall value of more than $75 million, Wilson said in a statement."

"The sector brought in 78.8 million pounds (35.7 million kilograms) of lobsters in 2025, down from more than 110 million pounds (49.9 million kilograms) in 2021, regulators said. It was the lowest total since 2008."

Maine's lobster industry experienced its fourth consecutive annual decline in 2025, with the catch reaching 78.8 million pounds, the lowest level since 2008. This represents a significant drop from over 110 million pounds in 2021. Multiple factors contributed to the decline, including warming ocean temperatures that cause lobsters to migrate toward Canadian waters, soaring business costs, inflation, and market uncertainty related to tariffs. The number of fishing trips decreased by more than 21,000 compared to 2024, and the overall value of the catch fell by more than $75 million. Despite this decline, the lobster industry remains one of the most lucrative in the United States, though last year's dock value of $461 million was below the typical $500 million threshold.

Read at Boston.com