Senators Collins, King Mark National Lobster Day on Wednesday, September 25th
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) today announced that tomorrow, September 25th, will mark “National Lobster Day”. The designation was established through resolution S.Res.293, which was introduced by Senators Collins and King and passed by the Senate in August. National Lobster Day seeks to recognize the economic and cultural importance of the species, which is a major economic driver for Maine.
“For generations, Maine’s lobster fishery has supported thousands of Maine families and served as a major economic force for our state’s coastal communities,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “The Maine lobster’s unparalleled reputation has established our state as a major player in the global food market, and helps draw millions of tourists to Maine each year. National Lobster Day provides an opportunity to celebrate all the Mainers who work every day to catch, cook, and ship our state’s prized catch – we’re so excited to honor their work on behalf of our state.”
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating the 5th annual National Lobster Day with the delegation of Maine and the hard working individuals who make the Maine Lobster industry so special,” said Marianne LaCroix, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. “When the MLMC first set out to establish National Lobster Day on September 25th in partnership with Senators King and Collins it was an opportunity to talk about our product during peak harvesting season, creating a meaningful moment for diners to enjoy Maine Lobster and for our dealers and processors to sell the iconic crustacean around the globe. We’re proud to be supporting that same mission today.”
Lobster is one of the most valuable catches in the U.S., with approximately 150 million pounds landed at a value of more $500 million each year. Senators Collins and King have been vocal advocates for the lobster industry by pushing back against proposals that would harm the continued growth and success of the industry.
Earlier this month, the Senators joined the rest of the Maine delegation in urging federal officials to change proposed regulations that could impose a serious economic burden on Maine lobstermen and threaten the safety of these workers, and in July added their voices in support of Governor Janet Mills’ efforts to contest these regulations. The delegation has also pushed federal officials to provide aid or promotional support for members of the lobster industry harmed by the ongoing trade war with China, much as American farmers received government support to mitigate negative economic consequences.
In addition to Senators Collins and King, the “National Lobster Day” resolution was also sponsored by Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
