Summer is here and it is time for Maine lobstermen to do what they love most – catch lots of lobster! This month brings great weather and, if we are lucky, a steady stream of bright, calm days on the water. It is the perfect time to reflect on what makes the Maine lobster fishery so special and why so many people wouldn’t choose to do anything else.
C. Clegg photo.
I hear from lobstermen time and again that there’s nothing else they want to do and there’s no place they’d rather be than out hauling. Tomorrow is promised to no one, so it is truly a gift to be able to do what you love.
The life of a lobsterman is not always easy, but it gives you a different view of the world than most Americans. You greet each day before the sun rises and experience the sheer beauty of the Maine coast across the four seasons. You use your intimate knowledge of the Gulf of Maine, the tides and the weather to conduct your business not by the dictates of a clock but by the rules of Mother Nature.
Knowledge and experience accumulated over time allow you to be a successful fisherman. Each lobsterman knows the waters where he or she fishes, the winds and currents, and how they change with the seasons, plus every nook and cranny on the seafloor. You know where to set your traps based on the month, moon, and tides to keep your landings steady.
You have learned from your forefathers not to take anything for granted. You understand that the survival of your business, your family, and your community is intrinsically tied to the ocean. With this knowledge you continue the stewardship practices passed through generations of lobstermen in order to sustain the lobster stocks you harvest. You recognize just how important those resources are to keep the fishery prosperous today and in the future. Lobstermen understand the privilege that comes with making a living from the sea and feel a deep pride in accepting the responsibilities that come with it.
You take the long view and don’t cut corners. You examine each lobster that comes up in your traps, taking care to return the shorts and oversized back to the sea. You assess each tail for V-notches and take time to ensure that all eggers are notched before being thrown back, ensuring a strong population for future lobstermen.
These are the practices that have made Maine’s lobster fishery one of the most sustainable fisheries in the world and the most valuable commercial fishery in the country. By continuing these practices, you pay it forward to ensure a healthy resource for the next generation.
Lobstermen feel completely at home on the water yet also understand how dangerous and unforgiving the ocean can be. As a captain you regard the ocean with deep respect and accept your responsibility to keep yourself and your crew safe. And you keep an ear out on the radio for someone in trouble. Everyone knows that a lobsterman, as part of a tight-knit community of fishermen, is always willing to come to aid of anyone distressed at sea.
I’ve noticed that many lobstermen, no matter their age, never seem to lose a sense of wonder. They tell me about an unforgettable sunrise they’ve seen, finding an unusual sea creature in a trap, or seeing something rare and strange while out on the water.
Then there’s the pleasure of catching lobsters. For so many, the surge of adrenaline you get when hauling in a big catch never gets old. Over time your boat, your engine and gear become as familiar to you as your hands, although the boat may be treated more kindly. When a trap comes up full, it’s the product of good teamwork among the captain, sternman, and the boat. What could be better?
Lobstering doesn’t offer a 40-hour workweek or a guaranteed paycheck. It does not offer health insurance, a 401-K, or a paid vacation. Instead, it offers you a way of life that is valuable in so many ways and worthy of respect. Lobstering allows you the independence to be your own boss and make your living doing what you love. It provides the opportunity to live an uncompromised life and to raise your family proudly in Maine.
Maybe I’m getting a little sentimental with age, but when I think of lobstermen I think of their pride, traditions, stewardship, independence, family, communities, and distinct way of life. And I think of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, founded by lobstermen in 1954 to preserve and protect everything that makes the lobster industry special.
Enjoy the summer season, catch lots of lobsters, and remember why you became a lobsterman. The MLA will continue our work to keep the industry strong and resilient as we have faithfully done for the past 70 years.
As always, stay safe on the water.
