People celebrate summertime in many memorable ways. If you ask locals and avid tourists in Maine, it’s the fun outdoor activities, beautiful handcrafted goods, and enjoying various lobster-based meals.
For a long time, Maine has become a favorite destination for delicious lobsters due to their abundance in the state, especially during warmer periods like summer. Unfortunately, despite having a continuous boom in marine life, there’s a looming threat that tourists and locals should consider. Keep reading below to learn more about the lobsters in Maine and the danger that could cause a significant decline in the industry.
Why Are Lobsters Abundant in Maine?
Maine became a state in March 1820, and it’s the largest among the six New England states in the U.S. It’s famous for its rocky coastlines, frigid waters, and the abundance of lobsters in the area.
Lobsters are plentiful in Maine because climate change makes the water warm and attractive for these crustaceans. They’re so abundant in the summer because they migrate close to shore to enjoy the warm water while molting and feeding. Additionally, lobsters also thrive because of the absence of predators in the area.
In Maine, lobsters are legally harvested after reaching five to seven years of age with a minimum length of three and one-quarter inches and weight of one pound.
You can find many suppliers and restaurants scattered all over the state, so you won’t have a hard time getting your lobster meal when you stay for the season. Even if you prefer staying in a hotel most of the time, you can still get them through the best Maine lobster delivery services around the state.
The Biggest Threat to Lobsters in Maine
While warm water due to climate change causes an extraordinary boom of lobsters in Maine, experts believe it could also drive their collapse. Climate change, particularly global warming, will force lobsters to change their molting period, move to colder waters, and become more prone to different diseases. And unfortunately, a study found that the Gulf of Maine, a body of sea enriched with marine life, is warming quicker than 99 percent of the ocean worldwide, potentially harming Maine’s billion-dollar lobster industry and other fishery products.
If the lobster market plummets in Maine, it will affect the state’s economy and about five thousand lobstermen who’ve spent a lifetime making an honest living. Many stores will close shops, and the unique summer character of Maine could disappear.
The Future Depends on Us
If it’s a tradition to visit Maine with family and friends in the summer, remember that your favorite flavors, together with a billion-dollar industry and thousands of jobs, could be on the brink of collapse because of climate change.
This long-standing issue can’t be ignored anymore, and if you visit the state this season, don’t think of it like you’re down to your last experiences in Maine. Take it as an opportunity to be inspired and raise awareness to save Maine’s rich marine life and those around the world.
