Biologists See Peril in Huge Catch of Maine Lobsters

1995 was another bountiful year for Maine lobstermen, who hauled in a catch of near-record size that ranks as the most valuable ever.

But biologists fear that the healthy numbers may mask the need to impose restrictions on lobster fishing to protect the species and prevent it from going the way of New England’s beleaguered ground fish industry.

Commercial lobster landings in the state totaled 36.5 million pounds last year, according to preliminary figures released by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

That compares with a preliminary total of 37.7 million pounds and a final figure of 39 million pounds in 1994.

Last year’s catch fetched a record boat price of $102.3 million, or more than $2 million more than the larger catch that Maine’s lobster fleet brought in the year before.

The previous record, set in 1993, was 31 million pounds worth $73.6 million.

Lobster has traditionally led the list of the most valuable species landed in Maine. Pen-raised fin fish--virtually all of it salmon--was second last year, with 22.3 million pounds valued at $57.1 million before processing.

The second-highest wild harvest was urchins, with divers and draggers bringing in 32 million pounds worth $33 million, the fisheries service said. Almost all of the urchin crop is exported to Japan, where the melon-colored roe are considered a delicacy.

August was the busiest month, with 9.1 million pounds brought in. That month also saw the lowest average price--$2.52 a pound.

Lobsters were scarcest in February, when fishermen hauled a mere 125,000 pounds. They fetched $4.63 a pound, the highest monthly average.

The average price for the year was $2.83.

The figures indicating a stable supply of lobsters were hailed as good news for one of the strongest segments of the New England fishing industry.

“I think it’s wonderful that we’re doing this well, but no one seems to know why, and that concerns me,” said Pat White, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Assn.

Dwindling stocks of haddock, cod and yellowtail flounder have led to sharp restrictions on ground fishing. But biologists’ warnings that the supply of lobster could also be depleted by increased pressure have rung hollow among some who make their living from Maine’s signature seafood.

Herman Backman, president of the Down East Lobstermen’s Assn., said he sees no need for new restrictions in his region of eastern Maine, where larger expanses of open ocean can support more fishing.

Backman said the state’s plan to establish five lobstering zones later this year should enable the industry to curb fishing pressure only in areas where restrictions are required.

The Legislature last year set limits of 1,200 traps per licensee, with plans to phase in further reductions and limit new licenses.

Jay Krouse, a biologist with the state Department of Marine Resources, said more restrictions are needed to protect lobster stocks in view of growing pressure, some of it from displaced ground fishermen.

Maine is believed to have about 6,500 licensed lobstermen who fish 2.3 million traps from 4,200 boats. Equipment used to harvest lobster--navigational aids to the traps themselves--have become more efficient, contributing to the growing pressure, Krouse said.

“The million-dollar question is why have lobster landings been as high as they have been in spite of the fact that they’ve been fully exploited for so many years,” he said.

Among the lobstering restrictions that Krouse supports is an increase in the minimum legal size, which hasn’t been changed since the late 1980s.

The legal minimum is 3 1/4 inches, measured from the rear of the eye socket to the back end of the body shell.