Positive and Negative Aspects of the Lobster Fishing Industry in Maine
This article was about the lobster fishing currently going on in Maine. It discusses all of the positive and few negative things that are happening to the lobster fishing industry in Maine. Most of the lobster fishermen there are responsible and follow the laws when it comes to legal lobster size and whether or not the lobster is carrying eggs. This is very beneficial to the lobster population in that area because it’s allowing the lobsters to reproduce strong and health lobsters. Unlike the fishing in Maine, the lobsters that get trapped and aren’t legal do to their small size can easily get out of the traps and continue on with their lobster lives. The fish however, are left to die in the net, wasted.
1. How has the catch of lobsters changed over the past 15 years in the state of Maine?
The number of lobsters being caught has tripled.
2. What does Walter Day suggest needs to be done to keep the industry flourishing?
He says “Just let us do what we've been doing, and otherwise let us alone.” By this he means that the lobster fisherman can be trusted when it comes to determining if the lobster is of legal size, or if it has eggs. They’re honest and know what they’re talking about.
3. What are shorts?
Lobsters that aren’t large and mature enough to be captured legally.
4. What are eggers?
Eggers are female lobsters that carry a plethora of eggs on the underside of their belly.
5. How are females carrying eggs marked? Why do they do this?
A small V-shaped cut is made into their tails. This is to alert other lobstermen that they were breeding stock and due to state law, must be thrown back.
6. Why are oversized lobsters also thrown back?
Because they’re considered “superstuds” and they produce bumper crops of young lobsters.
7. Besides following the rules closely, what are some other ways the lobstermen of Vinalhaven protect the lobster crop?
They do not tolerate any kind of cheating or keeping of illegal lobsters. It’s sort of like a code they
1. How has the catch of lobsters changed over the past 15 years in the state of Maine?
The number of lobsters being caught has tripled.
2. What does Walter Day suggest needs to be done to keep the industry flourishing?
He says “Just let us do what we've been doing, and otherwise let us alone.” By this he means that the lobster fisherman can be trusted when it comes to determining if the lobster is of legal size, or if it has eggs. They’re honest and know what they’re talking about.
3. What are shorts?
Lobsters that aren’t large and mature enough to be captured legally.
4. What are eggers?
Eggers are female lobsters that carry a plethora of eggs on the underside of their belly.
5. How are females carrying eggs marked? Why do they do this?
A small V-shaped cut is made into their tails. This is to alert other lobstermen that they were breeding stock and due to state law, must be thrown back.
6. Why are oversized lobsters also thrown back?
Because they’re considered “superstuds” and they produce bumper crops of young lobsters.
7. Besides following the rules closely, what are some other ways the lobstermen of Vinalhaven protect the lobster crop?
They do not tolerate any kind of cheating or keeping of illegal lobsters. It’s sort of like a code they