Maine's Lobster Catch Declines for Fourth Straight Year

High costs, climate change impact industry as state's signature catch drops to lowest level since 2008.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Maine's lobster catch declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, falling to 78.8 million pounds - the lowest total since 2008. State fishing regulators cited soaring business costs, inflation, and a changing ocean environment as factors behind the drop in the state's signature catch, which is typically worth over $500 million annually at the docks.

Why it matters

Maine's lobster industry is a crucial part of the state's identity and economy, so the sustained decline in catch raises concerns about the long-term viability of the sector. Warming ocean temperatures and other climate change impacts are seen as potential drivers behind the migration of lobsters to Canadian waters, threatening the future of this iconic New England fishery.

The details

The 2025 lobster haul was down from over 110 million pounds in 2021, with regulators pointing to high inflation, market uncertainty, and a late start to the busy fishing season as contributing factors. The southern New England lobster fishery has already been declared depleted, and scientists warn a similar trend could be unfolding off the Maine coast as waters warm.

  • Maine's lobster catch has declined each year since 2021.
  • The 2025 haul of 78.8 million pounds was the lowest since 2008.
  • The industry typically brings in over 100 million pounds per year, peaking at over 132 million pounds in 2016.

The players

Carl Wilson

Commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources.

John Drouin

A lobster fisherman based out of Cutler, Maine.

Steve Train

A lobster fisherman based out of Long Island, Maine.

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What they’re saying

“This combination of factors likely contributed to the decline from 2024 to 2025 in the lobster harvest of more than eight million pounds and a decrease in the overall value of more than $75 million.”

— Carl Wilson, Commissioner, Maine Department of Marine Resources (wbal.com)

“Hauling was more consistent, with less peaks and valleys, and the price was higher in the summer months. But I think I landed a little less.”

— Steve Train, Lobster Fisherman (wbal.com)

“Hauling was more consistent, with less peaks and valleys, and the price was higher in the summer months. But I think I landed a little less.”

— John Drouin, Lobster Fisherman (wbal.com)

What’s next

Regulators and environmental groups are expected to continue discussions around potential new conservation measures for the Maine lobster fishery in the face of the sustained catch declines.

The takeaway

The drop in Maine's iconic lobster catch highlights the growing threats facing the industry, from climate change impacts to rising business costs. As the state's signature seafood product becomes harder to harvest, the long-term viability of this crucial part of Maine's economy and culture is increasingly in question.