Collins, King Introduce Resolution To Designate September 25, 2015 As National Lobster Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins joined with five of their Senate colleagues to introduce a resolution that would designate Friday, September 25, 2015 as “National Lobster Day.” Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) also co-sponsored the resolution, which recognizes the historic and economic importance of lobster in the United States.

“Since colonial times, lobster has been a boon to our coastal communities,” said Senators King and Collins in a joint statement. “Today, thousands of American families – including hundreds in Maine – continue to rely on this vibrant industry, and it’s important that we reflect on and celebrate the positive impact it has up and down our coastline. We hope that our colleagues will join us in supporting ‘National Lobster Day’ to recognize the lobster’s prominent place in both our economy and our heritage as well as its growing popularity as a global delicacy.”

Lobster fishing has served as an economic engine and a family tradition in the United States for centuries, helping to support the livelihoods of thousands of families in the United States through fishing, processing, and shipping. More than 120 million pounds of lobster are caught each year in U.S. waters, representing one of our country’s most valuable catches.

The “National Lobster Day” resolution can be viewed HERE, and the full text is available below.

RESOLUTION

Designating September 25, 2015, as ‘‘National Lobster Day’’.

Whereas lobster from the United States is recognized around the world as a prized culinary delicacy;

Whereas lobster fishing has served as an economic engine and a family tradition in the United States for centuries;

Whereas thousands of families in the United States make their livelihoods from lobster fishing and processing;

Whereas more than 120,000,000 pounds of lobster are caught each year in waters of the United States, representing one of the Nation’s most valuable catches;

Whereas the lobster industry is booming abroad, with profits climbing from $335,800,000 in 2009 to $738,600,000 in 2014;

Whereas historical lore notes that lobster likely joined turkey on the table at the very first Thanksgiving Day feast in 1621;

Whereas responsible lobstering practices, beginning in the 1600s, have created one of the world’s most sustainable fisheries;

Whereas Lobster Newburg was featured on the menu at the inaugural dinner celebration for President John F. Kennedy;

Whereas lobsters are one of the most healthy and nutritious sources of protein;

Whereas the peak of the lobstering season in the United States occurs in the late summer;

Whereas lobster has become a culinary icon, with the lobster roll being featured at the 2015 World Food Expo in Milan, Italy;

Whereas lobster is featured on more and more restaurant menus, growing by 35 percent from 2009 to 2013; Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates September 25, 2015, as ‘‘National Lobster Day’’; and

(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.