LobsterAnywhere.com is committed to lobster sustainable seafood. Maine lobster is a national treasure and we believe in being stewards of it. The sea has sustained us for generations and generations, and so we feel responsible for sustaining it too! Our online seafood company believes in the humane ways to harvest the fresh and healthy lobsters for prompt delivery no matter where you are in the USA.
LobsterAnywhere buys only the best live lobsters from men and women committed to the best practices of the industry. Our lobstermen use environmentally friendly lobster traps, handle each lobster with the utmost care and are dedicated to preserving the rich lobster stocks along the North Atlantic coast.
The North Atlantic Lobster industry, together with both US and Canadian Fisheries agencies, has had laws and regulations in place for many years to ensure the future of the industry.These regulations have proven successful and are largely responsible for the health of the fishery.
Sustainable lobstering practices have been in place in Maine for well over a century. The Maine lobster industry is the only certified sustainable fishery in the world. Below you will find some of the methods and regulations used to ensure lobster sustainability. First implemented in the 1800s, these regulations vary by region but have endured and served as a foundation for today’s standards.
Protecting the Habitat
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In recent years sinking lines have been added in areas of Right Whale habitat to eliminate entanglement of these precious mammals. More recently, many lobster fisheries have undergone the MSC Assessment Process to reaffirm commitment to conservation practices.
To ensure lobster sustainability, we adhere to the following regulations and practices:
Carapace Size Limit
Size limits, introduced in 1874 and reintroduced in the 1930s, eliminate the harvest of juvenile lobsters and enable them to mature and limit the total catch. For legal sale lobsters are required to have a minimum carapace length of 3 1/4 inches (about a 1 pound lobster). Minimum carapace measurements ensures ensures juvenile lobsters to mature and reproduce before being harvested.
“VNotch” Berried Lobsters
In the Northeast the lobster fishery is considered to be healthy. Fishermen and scientists continue to work together to develop management measures, which will help insure adequate sustainable egg production.
Matured females carrying eggs are under strict surveillance and must be released by law. A “berried” lobster is an egg bearing female. Per regulations, when one is caught a ‘V’ notch is cut into the tail and the lobster is released. Lobsters that are caught and have a previous V notch are also required to be returned to sea. Since 1872, this has enhanced future harvests by protecting the most productive female population.
Lobster Traps and Escape Mechanisms
The basic lobster trap design hasn’t changed much over the past 125 years. Escape vents allow undersized lobsters easy entry and exit from the trap. Escape vents to allow sub-legal size lobsters to exit the trap while it is still on the bottom (they can come in, eat, and leave). They also provide food for the juvenile population. Biodegradable “ghost panels” allow lobsters to escape from traps that may become lost on the bottom due to storms or other issues. With the escape panel open a lost “trap” or “pot” actually becomes a habitat providing shelter without entrapment.
Trap Limits
Since the 1960s, trap limits help ensure a manageable count of traps per area. Each trap is tagged with license holder information and closely monitored. Boat lengths are are rigorously monitored. Harvesting is by pot (trap) only. Dragging or diving is not allowed which harvests lobsters in much larger quantities than by pot.
Limited Entry of Licenses
Limited entry into the fishery ensures that lobsters are no over fished. Maine lobstermen and women are required to own one of 6000 plus commercial lobstering licenses granted under a lottery system that limits access to this protected fishery. Since the 1960’s, license caps were established to limit the total number of lobsterman per area. In Maine, five licenses must be retired before a new license is granted. Learn more about lobster fishing regulations.
Lobster Fishery Areas
To ensure sustainability, Canada has established season opening and closing including ocean jurisdictions. Management areas 41 in Atlantic Canada were established in the early 1970s to ensure a steady flow of lobster and ensure nursery areas are avoided at certain periods.
About LobsterAnywhere.com
For more than 10 years, LobsterAnywhere has delivered fresh seafood overnight to your doorstep. Whether you are planning a clambake or want to relive summer memories with a loved one, LobsterAnywhere has the perfect mix of live lobsters, clam chowder, shellfish and more. Order fresh seafood online at LobsterAnywhere.com.