Maine lobster catch is up, value down

PORTLAND — Officials say Maine lobstermen had a record harvest in 2009, but the value of the catch continued to plunge amid the sour global economy.

The Department of Marine Resources announced today that lobstermen caught 75.6 million pounds last year, up 8 percent from 2008. But the value of the catch fell $23 million, to $221.7 million.

Marine Resources Commissioner George LaPointe says the catch numbers show the resource is in good shape and that lobstermen are fishing hard to make up for the lower prices they’re receiving.

He says the low value is a reflection of the poor economy and people cutting luxury items out of their budgets.
 

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