In this world of instant gratification, it is frustrating to have your livelihood forever linked to a policy arena where meaningful change may take years — sometimes decades — to materialize. Unfortunately, fisheries management was never designed for quick wins. It is a complicated and cumbersome process complete with procedural hurdles that make flexible, responsive solutions difficult to achieve. Whether the MLA is engaging with Congress, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the...

By any measure, 2025 was a hard year to be a Maine lobsterman. The price of lobster lagged, uncertainty hung over the markets, regulatory pressure never let up, and frustration was felt from the wheelhouse to the wharf. As we turn the page onto a new season, it’s important to say this clearly: the Maine Lobstermen’s Association hears you, stands with you, and is working every day to protect the future of this fishery. C. Clegg photo. In January, the MLA Board of Directors gathered for its...

As 2025 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year defined by rapid changes, hard work, and the extraordinary resilience of Maine’s lobstering community. With a new administration in Washington, the policy landscape shifted dramatically, bringing new opportunities, new challenges, and a renewed urgency to stay engaged. Through it all, the MLA stood with you, working every day to protect the fishery and the livelihoods of the families who depend on it. M. Flemming photo. Without a...