WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that last night the Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating September 25, 2017, as “National Lobster Day.” The Maine Senators led the “National Lobster Day” resolution, which was introduced on July 19 to recognize the economic and cultural importance of the species.

“Maine’s lobster fishery has defined coastal communities for centuries and continues to be an integral driver of our state’s economy today,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “The industry sustains thousands of Maine families and helps draw millions of tourists to Maine every year. Lobster’s popularity has solidified Maine’s standing on the international culinary stage, and it has made our state a key player in the global seafood market. ‘National Lobster Day’ provides an opportunity to celebrate lobster’s significant contributions to Maine’s heritage and economy and thank the hardworking men and women who haul lobster off our shores every day.”

Lobster is one of the most valuable catches in the U.S., with approximately 150 million pounds landed at a value of more $500 million each year. The industry has been an economic engine and a defining cultural tradition for generations, supporting the livelihoods of Maine families through fishing, processing, shipping, and the tourism industry.

“We again thank Senators King and Collins for their support with this resolution and designating September 25^th as National Lobster Day,” said Matt Jacobson, the Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative (MLMC). “Lobster is a food most commonly associated with summer, and with the marking of National Lobster Day we hope to underscore that early fall is still prime lobster season here in Maine and a great time for diners and home cooks to enjoy fresh Maine Lobster.” 

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

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

###