[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 9, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S2435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MAINE LOBSTERMEN'S ASSOCIATION

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the 
Maine Lobstermen's Association on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, 
Reaching this significant mile stone is a testament to the 
organization's positive message and the strong guidance of its 
leadership throughout the last half-century.
  Lobstermen are symbolic of Maine's unique way of life. Harvesting 
lobsters is part of the proud heritage of Maine's coasts and the State 
produces more lobster than any other in the Nation. Each year, over 50 
million pounds of lobster are harvested in Maine, adding several 
hundred million dollars to the State's economy. Lobstering is a 
traditional occupation which represents the values of Mainers and their 
deep connection with the abundant natural resources and beautiful coast 
that surround the State.
  Maine's lobster fishery, though well recognized today, had very 
humble beginnings. According to the Gulf of Maine Aquarium, lobsters 
were once so plentiful that they were considered a plain, dull food and 
a cheap source of nutrition for those living near the Northeast coast. 
Lobstering was done by hand until the mid-19th century, when trapping 
became more popular and allowed for larger numbers of lobsters to be 
caught. The fishery also experienced growth due to the advent of new 
canning practices, which enabled Maine lobsters to reach far and wide 
across the glove. As Maine's lobster fishery has grown, changing 
technologies and stronger regulations have put new pressures on 
lobstermen, while also ensuring the continued success and 
sustainability of lobstering as an occupation.
  Founded in 1954, the MLA has promoted a spirit of cooperation among 
lobstermen, and it has fought hard to improve their way of life as 
Maine's lobster fishery evolves. Through the dedication of its 
membership and the strong leadership of its directors, the Association 
has been instrumental in keeping the grandest tradition of Maine's 
coasts both profitable and sustainable. Along the way, it has grown to 
a considerable size and now counts over 1,200 lobstermen in its ranks. 
The Association has such a large membership that it currently bills 
itself as the biggest commercial fishing industry on the East Coast.
  As Maine's Senator and as chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, 
Fisheries and Coast Guard, I am particularly dedicated to helping 
fishing communities maintain the quality of life which they deserve. I 
am extremely grateful to the Association for its tireless dedication to 
Maine lobstermen, and I thank each and every one of its members for 
being actively involved in their communities through their membership. 
I look forward to many more years of working closely with the MLA.
  Again, I congratulate the Association on its past successes, and wish 
it at least another 50 years of growth and achievement.

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