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L A N D I N G S
NEWS & VIEWS FROM MAINE'S LOBSTERING COMMUNITY
In January 2013, the MLCA launched Landings, a monthly newspaper which balances
its content amongst science, history, resource sustainability, economic development,
and human interest stories. Through Landings, MLCA educates the public and lobster
industry stakeholders about the unique characteristics of Maine’s lobstering traditions,
its history and heritage, ongoing research to maintain the sustainability of the resource,
and its non-harmful and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices.
Distributing more than 6,500 copies of this 24+page publication free via mail each
month to all of Maine’s commercial lobstermen, state government agency staff, elected
state officials, Congressional delegation, subscribers, marine businesses; and to the
public at various locations around the state including ferry terminals, marine supply
stores and annual educational forums.
Lobster Stock Assessment Finds Abundance Down, Fishery Strong
At its October meeting the Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) American Lobster Management Board received the results of the 2025 American Lobster Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review Report. The stock assessment found that the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank (GOM/GBK) stock has declined 34% since peak levels in 2018. The stock assessment noted that the declines in the population were largely related to environmental factors, with water temperature the “
34 minutes ago3 min read
2026 Menhaden Quota Cut By 20%
On October 28, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Menhaden Management Board voted to reduce the 2026 menhaden quota by 20%, to 186,840 metric tons from the current 233,550 metric tons. The Board initially proposed a 55% reduction in the 2026 quota, despite a stock assessment that states the population is not overfished and that overfishing is not occurring. The quota decrease is designed to reduce fishing pressure on menhaden and to protect other species,
40 minutes ago2 min read
An Effective Way to Keep Productive Females in the Water
V-notching remains a key conservation measure taken by Maine lobstermen to help sustain the Gulf of Maine lobster population and it’s a practice that lobstermen have been doing for a very long time. In 2002, V-notching became mandatory to meet the requirements of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) lobster management plan. “V-notching eggers returns an otherwise legal-sized female to the ocean to give these proven breeders the opportunity to reproduce ag
43 minutes ago4 min read
Lobstermen Survey Results Similar Among Maine, NH, And Mass
The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and the Lobster Advisory Council (LAC) conducted a survey of lobster harvesters and dealers in August to collect input on Maine’s lobster resource and fishery. The survey was developed by a sub-committee of the LAC. It was mailed to 4,697 individuals; 1,375, or 29%, responded. DMR analyzed the results of the survey and presented them at Zone Council meetings. Commissioner Wilson presented the findings to the ASMFC Lobster Board to be c
46 minutes ago2 min read
Steaming Ahead | November 2025
For generations, Maine’s lobster fishery has been a symbol of our coastal identity, a source of pride, and a vital economic engine. As someone who cares deeply about the future of our working waterfronts and the communities they support, I believe it’s time we confront a hard truth: without stronger management, we risk driving this fishery down the same path as so many others that have collapsed in our lifetimes. B. Wish photo. We’ve seen it before. Maine’s once-thriving grou
54 minutes ago2 min read
In the News | November 2025
MLA Board meeting Summary The MLA board of directors met on October 1 in Belfast. Chairman Jarod Bray opened the meeting by welcoming guests. Board member Gerry Cushman updated the board on the challenges facing his bait business, which has been heavily impacted by new tariffs. Price per pound has already increased by 10 cents and will continue to rise as shortages develop. Those who haven’t yet seen price increases are likely purchasing from suppliers still working through s
1 hour ago9 min read
MLA Junior Harvester: Tommy Werner
Most eleven-year-old boys lead a full life. There’s going to school, homework, chores around the house, hockey practice in the winter, and of course, hanging out with friends. For Tommy Werner of Cape Elizabeth, his busy schedule includes tending his ten lobster traps on Peaks Island with his father, Thom Werner. Tommy Werner. Tommy learned to lobster from Thom, a Cape Elizabeth lobsterman who owns and operates the Island Lobster Co. restaurant with his wife, Peaks Island nat
1 hour ago2 min read
MLA Business Member Spotlight: Hews Company
Hews Company, LLC has been in business for a long time. “It will be our 100th year in 2027,” said Katy Hews, director of marketing for the family-owned business. The company is a distributor of truck-mounted equipment throughout New England and manufacturer of custom truck bodies, with facilities in South Portland and Bow, New Hampshire. Hews custom truck bodies are used throughout the Maine coast. Hews Co. photo. It all started when Roland C. Hews traveled from Aroostook Cou
1 hour ago2 min read
Update on DMR Right Whale Surveys
By Sarah Leiter, DMR Division of Marine Mammal Research The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Division of Marine Mammal Research Survey Program is designed to increase our understanding of when and where North Atlantic right whales occur in the Gulf of Maine by conducting monthly visual surveys from vessels and planes. A better understanding of right whale habitat use will improve the ability of federal regulators to assess entanglement risks. Maine’s data will be summariz
2 hours ago2 min read
To Your Health: Arthritis and Fishing
By Hariprasad Korsapati, MD, and Ann Backus, MS All of us in the Northeast, fishermen and non-fishermen, are moving into the cold season. Some of us notice this change, not only in the outside temperature but also in our joints. Colder temperatures can cause our joints to feel sore or stiff. Any joints can be affected. For fishermen joint pain can be debilitating given how highly involved in fishing all the joints are — shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees and ankles. Arthri
2 hours ago4 min read
In the News | November 2025
Right whale numbers continue to increase The number of North Atlantic right whales increased slightly last year, continuing a four-year trend of slow growth that indicates the critically endangered species is heading in the right direction, according to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium. The estimated population increased from 376 in 2023 to 384 in 2024. Scientists have logged no deaths so far in 2025 and only one new entanglement injury and one vessel strike, federal
2 hours ago2 min read
DFO Right Whale Report Expresses Cautious Optimism
Reprinted from Seafood News Snow crab traps also pose a risk to right whales. Navigator photo. Scientists with Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) have presented a new comprehensive update on the North Atlantic right whale population, finding shifts in the population and the possibility of recovery if the right actions are taken. The review was part of a Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) for the whales and assessed a range of different topics concerning the sp
2 hours ago2 min read
Lobster Roll Remix Raises Funds for MLCA
Friends of Maine’s lobster fishery came together on National Lobster Day (September 25) for an incredible evening at the Lobster Roll Remix to benefit the Maine Lobster Community Alliance (MLCA). Hosted by the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, this event brought together visionary chefs who gave the iconic Maine lobster roll a global flavor twist — from Thai to Indian, Sichuan to Sicilian — and delighted guests with b
2 hours ago1 min read
Women in the Fisheries: Carli Stewart
Carli Stewart, 28, is a new mother, a fisherman’s daughter and a fisherman’s fiancé. She works as a content specialist at National Fisherman magazine, a position that she clearly enjoys. “I get to tell people’s stories,” she said enthusiastically. More specifically, she tells the stories of the lives of fishermen and their communities, from Alaska to Maryland, with the insight that comes from being part of a fishing community herself. Stewart grew up on Casco Bay’s Long Isla
20 hours ago2 min read
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