WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins announced that the Senate last night unanimously passed a resolution designating September 25, 2016 as “National Lobster Day.” The Maine Senators led the “National Lobster Day” resolution, which was introduced on June 28, to recognize the economic and cultural importance of the lobster industry in Maine and around the country.

“Up and down the Maine coast, lobstering remains an inseparable part of our state’s heritage and economy,” said Senators King and Collins in a joint statement. “Maine lobster and the hardworking men and women who catch it along our shores help drive our economy and further our reputation as a major player in the global seafood market. National Lobster Day provides an opportunity to celebrate that proud history and build on the growing popularity that Maine lobster enjoys around the world.” 

Lobster continues to be one of the largest catches in U.S. waters, with more than 120 million pounds landed each year. The industry has been an economic engine and a defining cultural tradition in coastal communities for generations.

“For the second year in a row, we are thrilled that the Senate has recognized the Maine Lobster industry by designating September 25^th as National Lobster Day,” said Matt Jacobson, the Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. “We are so excited to have the national spotlight on our industry during peak season, when the hard working individuals within our industry are bringing Maine Lobster from trap to table. We thank Senators King and Collins again for their support with this resolution” 

“As a lobsterman it’s great to see the national recognition of our industry during our busy season,” said Cyrus Sleeper, a fisherman out of Rockland. “We take great pride in sustainably harvesting Maine Lobster, and making sure diners across the country are enjoying the greatest lobster available.”

The resolution was also co-sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.).

The full text of the “National Lobster Day” resolution can be viewed HERE.

###