The 2026 lobster season is upon us, and before long we’ll be hauling traps under longer days and brighter skies. There’s something special about spring on the Maine coast — that moment when the chill breaks and every boat crew feels a familiar pull to get back on the water. Even after generations of doing this work, it’s hard not to feel a spark of excitement each year. Photo courtesy of Johns Bay Boats. Lobstering has never been a guarantee. Some seasons give more than others, and we’ve...

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 groundfish industry,...

Recently, the MLA sent out a survey to gather industry feedback on ideas lobstermen have presented to us as ways to improve the lobster...