Our coastal communities were once sustained by many species: herring, lobster, scallops, shrimp and groundfish—hake, pollock, and cod.

Click to Enlarge Maine seafood landings by value

The facts and figures for these fisheries tell a story all in their own, a story of the loss of diversity, and of a precarious reliance on one species—lobster.

Historic and Recent Maine Landings (by pound):

Groundfish (Cod, pollock, haddock, hake, flounders, etc.)
1982: 79,801,620
2002: 19,405,837

Click to Enlarge Maine Atlantic Cod landings

Sea Urchin:
1994: 38,296,612
2004: 5,741,945

Scallops
1984: 1,612,453
2004: 21,433

In contrast, lobster is booming.

Lobster landings by pound:
1984: 19,545,682
2004: 70,955,778

In 2004, 16,280,824 million pounds of lobster were landed in Hancock County, a value of $67,736,000. Washington County landed 7,654,673 pounds, worth $31,700,000.

Click to Enlarge State of Maine lobster landings.

Knox County is the county with the largest landings. Penobscot East serves the important fishing islands of Matinicus, Monhegan, Vinalhaven, North Haven, and Isle au Haut, which land a significant portion of the 24,748,387 pounds of lobster landed in Knox County in 2004, a value of $97,865,000.

Lobster provided 70% of all Maine marine species landed in 2004, a value of $285 million. The total value of all species was $404 million.

Lobster Licenses in Maine Lobster Management Zones A, B and C – the Zones served by Penobscot East.

Zone A:
Lobster Licenses: 888
Apprentice Licenses: 115

Zone B:
Lobster Licenses: 447
Apprentice Licenses: 66

Zone C
Lobster Licenses: 743.
Apprentice Licenses: 114

Total:
Lobster Licenses: 2,078
Apprentice Licenses: 295

Many scientists and fishermen warn it is unsustainable to rely so heavily on lobster. This is why it is important to regain access to diverse fisheries, and manage them responsibly with community-based fisheries management.