U.S. lobster regulators propose stricter minimum size for harvested lobsters, potentially impacting industry and competition with Canada.
U.S. lobster regulators are introducing stricter minimum sizes for harvested crustaceans, with the change potentially being just 1/16th of an inch or 1.6 millimeters. This could significantly impact the lobster fishing industry, already facing challenges from climate change and new rules designed to protect whales. Fishermen worry that such a small change could dramatically alter their ability to fish and put them at a competitive disadvantage with Canada, which has more relaxed rules. Recent surveys show a decline in baby lobsters off the coast of Maine, leading regulators to claim the minimum size change is necessary to preserve the future of the lobster population off New England. The changes do not apply in Canada, which has a larger lobster fishing industry than the U.S. However, Canadian authorities are closely monitoring regulatory actions in the U.S.