Maine's Lobster Catch Declines for Fourth Straight Year

High costs, climate change, and market uncertainty impact the state's iconic industry

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Maine's lobster catch declined for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, dropping to 78.8 million pounds, the lowest total since 2008. State regulators cited soaring business costs, inflation, a decline in fishing trips, and changing ocean conditions as factors behind the reduced haul, which was down from over 110 million pounds in 2021.

Why it matters

Maine's lobster industry is a key part of the state's identity and economy, typically generating over $500 million annually at the docks. The decline in catch raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the fishery, which has already seen depletion in southern New England waters due to warming ocean temperatures.

The details

The 2025 lobster catch was down more than 8 million pounds from 2024, with a corresponding decrease in overall value of over $75 million. Regulators pointed to inflation, high fuel and gear costs, market uncertainty from tariffs, and a late start to the busy fishing season as contributors to the reduced haul. While prices remained high for consumers, the industry struggled with low profitability.

  • Maine's lobster catch has declined every year since 2021.
  • The 2025 lobster harvest of 78.8 million pounds was the lowest since 2008.

The players

Carl Wilson

Commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources.

John Drouin

A lobster fisherman who fishes 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 of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (ksgf.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 (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Regulators and environmental groups are expected to continue discussions about potential new conservation measures for the Maine lobster fishery in response to the declining catch.

The takeaway

The drop in Maine's iconic lobster catch highlights the growing challenges facing the industry, including climate change, high costs, and market uncertainty. As the state's signature seafood product becomes less abundant, there are concerns about the long-term viability of this vital part of Maine's economy and culture.