Press Releases

Maine Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin have introduced a resolution in the House to recognize today, September 25, 2017, as National Lobster Day. The resolution is a companion to one passed in the Senate after being introduced by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King.

“Maine’s Congressional Delegation has been united in supporting and promoting our state’s lobster industry. I’m proud to work with Representative Poliquin to support those efforts in the House by recognizing today as National Lobster Day,” Pingree said. “Lobsters form the economic backbone of Maine’s coastline, thanks to the hard work of the fishermen who catch them and everyone else who supports them. But more than that, lobsters are a part of Maine’s identity—millions come to our state to eat the best lobster in the world. And we want to keep it that way by spreading the word.”

“Maine’s lobster industry, and the more than 10,000 jobs it supports statewide, is one of the most important parts of our State’s history, economy and culture,” said Congressman Poliquin. “I’m proud to work with Maine’s Congressional Delegation in recognizing the significance the lobster trade has for our State and continuing to work together to ensure that the industry continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Text of the resolution is below: 

RESOLUTION
Designating September 25, 2017, as ‘‘National Lobster Day’’.

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 U.S. House of Representatives—
(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.