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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 Surveys Show Healthy Stock Despite Decrease in Landings
Kathleen Reardon led the annual review of Department of Marine Resources (DMR) 2025 lobster survey findings during the DMR Science Updates session at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum. The review was preceded by the department’s announcement that preliminary 2025 lobster landings came in at 78.8 million pounds, a decline of approximately eight million pounds from 2024. A multitude of environmental and economic factors influenced lobster landings in 2025. MLMC photo. “Lo
Apr 34 min read
Lobster Again Maine's Highest Value Fishery
DMR press release In March the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) released preliminary data that Maine’s commercial harvesters earned $619,053,489 in 2025, which was the 14th consecutive year commercial fishery earnings surpassed $500 million. Maine lobstermen landed 78.8 million pounds in 2025 and again topped all other fisheries with an overall landed value of $461,384,405. The boat price was $5.85 per pound, the third highest boat price on record. However, while the boat
Apr 32 min read
Guest Column: Lobstermen's insights, observations are critical
By Carl Wilson 2025 is officially in the rearview mirror. Before I look ahead, it’s important to reflect on the past year because it will continue to have an impact on the future. As we all know, DMR did not advance the regulation that would have increased the minimum gauge size. That proposed regulation was a proactive measure intended to build resilience in the lobster stock. But it met with strong and compelling opposition from industry and as a result was pulled. Carl Wil
Jan 73 min read
Lobstermen Needed for DMR Lobster, Jonah Crab Project
DMR Release The Maine DMR Fishery Direct Data (FDD) Pilot Project is a cooperative research project designed to collect data on lobsters and Jonah crabs (with a focus on lobsters) from offshore areas of the Gulf of Maine. The FDD Pilot Program was created in 2024 in response to requests from the lobster industry asking ME DMR to collect more data on lobsters in offshore areas and more data on juvenile lobsters in deeper water. To accomplish this, Maine DMR partnered with the
Jan 72 min read
Coastal Program Planning Grants Applications Due January 5
Grants totaling $550,000 are available to support local or regional planning projects that prepare coastal communities and critical public infrastructure for future hazards and storms and to advance community resilience planning. The funding is available through two grants programs, the Shore and Harbor Planning Grant and the Coastal Community Grant, both supported by funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) annual grant to Maine Coastal Progr
Dec 2, 20252 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
Nov 6, 20252 min read
DMR Fall Trawl Survey Underway Through October
DMR notice The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) fall survey began in late September between Portland and Portsmouth, NH and is now...
Sep 26, 20252 min read
DMR Right Whale Survey Update
By Sarah Leiter, DMR Division of Marine Mammal Research The Maine DMR Division of Marine Mammal Research Survey Program is designed to...
Jul 31, 20252 min read
An Opportunity to Share What You See Happening
By Jeff Putnam, chair, Lobster Advisory Council All commercial lobster license holders received a survey from the Department of Marine...
Jul 29, 20252 min read
A New Hand at DMR's Helm
Carl Wilson, 51, was sworn in as Commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) on April 8 after unanimous confirmation by the...
May 1, 20254 min read
DMR Whale Reseach Survey Program Update
By Sarah Leiter The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Division of Marine Mammal Research Survey Program is designed to increase our...
May 1, 20252 min read
DMR Lobster Surveys Encouraging
The room was full when Department of Marine Resources (DMR) scientist Kathleen Reardon began her annual review of DMR’s 2024 lobster...
Apr 3, 20254 min read
Maine-NH Spring Inshore Trawl Survey Takes Place in May
DMR Press Release The spring survey began in New Hampshire waters on April 29, and will work its way east to finish up about May 31 near...
May 6, 20242 min read
DMR News: Fall Maine-New Hampshire Trawl Survey Underway
The Maine-New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey is a biannual survey of living marine resources in the coastal waters of Maine and New...
Oct 4, 20232 min read
Maine Fishermen’s Forum Recap: DMR Lobster Research 2022
Staff from the Department of Marine Resources Science Bureau presented its 2022 lobster survey results at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum in...
Apr 14, 20234 min read
Guest Column: DMR end of summer update to lobstermen
As has been the case over the past several years, there is no shortage of issues facing the lobster industry. I am keenly aware what all...
Sep 6, 20227 min read
New captain at DMR Marine Patrol Bureau
Colin MacDonald, an 18-year veteran of the Maine Marine Patrol, has been promoted to the rank of Captain. In the new role, Captain...
Sep 1, 20222 min read
Guest Column: DMR, MLA share Similar Legal Strategies
Speaking at the MLA’s Annual meeting last month I had the privilege of sharing a summary of the state’s efforts on the legal front in...
Jul 8, 20223 min read
"Tough Times Ahead" warns DMR
The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) addressed several of the state’s seven zone councils during January, and will finish this round...
Jan 31, 20226 min read
DMR Lobster and Whale Research Update for 2021
By Kathleen Reardon and the DMR Lobster Research Team Kathleen Reardon is DMR's lead lobster biologist. DMR photo. The DMR Lobster...
Jan 6, 20225 min read
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