Collins, King Introduce Resolution to Designate September 25, 2017, as National Lobster Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins today introduced a resolution that would designate September 25, 2017, as “National Lobster Day.” Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) also sponsored the resolution, which recognizes the historic and economic importance of lobster in the United States.

            “Maine’s lobster industry helps drive our economy, supports our coastal communities, and is an integral part of our state’s heritage,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “The fishery supports the livelihoods of thousands of harvesters, processors, and shippers up and down Maine’s coast who rely on lobster to provide for their families, and in turn provide one of the world’s greatest delicacies to families across the globe. It is important to take time to celebrate the positive impact of the lobster industry, and we look forward to our colleagues joining us in supporting ‘National Lobster Day’ to recognize lobster’s prominent role in Maine and other coastal states.”

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 through fishing, processing, and shipping. Nearly 150 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 read HERE, and the full text is available below:

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Resolution

Whereas the American lobster is recognized around the world as a prized and flavorful culinary delicacy;

Whereas lobster fishing has served as an economic engine and 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, with approximately 150,000,000 pounds of lobster landed each year in the United States, at an annual value of more than $500,000,000, lobster represents one of the most valuable catches in the United States;

Whereas foreign markets for lobster from the United States are booming, with export values having nearly tripled since 2005;

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

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

Whereas 2017 marks the 145th anniversary of lobster conservation efforts in the United States, starting with a Maine law banning the harvest of egg-bearing females;

Whereas, throughout history, United States presidents have served lobster at their inaugural celebrations and state dinners with international leaders;

Whereas lobster is an excellent, versatile source of lean protein that is low in saturated fat and high in vitamin B12;

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

Whereas the preservation and long distance transportation of lobster meat was first achieved 175 years ago with the advent of a canning process;

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

Whereas lobster is enjoyed at casual beach-side lobster boils and also revered as a delicacy at fine dining restaurants:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates September 25, 2017, as ‘‘National Lobster Day’’; and

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

and activities.