Members of the lobster business fear a looming bait crisis could disrupt the industry during a time when lobsters are as plentiful, valuable and in demand as ever. America’s lobster catch has climbed this decade, especially in Maine, but the fishery is dependent on herring — a schooling fish other fishermen seek in the Atlantic Ocean. Fishermen bring herring to shore mostly in Maine and Massachusetts, which are also the biggest lobster fishing states. That was also the year the herring catch fell to its lowest point since 2002, though it was still more than 138 million pounds. Lobsterman Jeffrey Peterson, who fishes out of the island town of Vinalhaven, Maine, said he’s sure he’ll be able to load his traps with bait this summer.

Source: thestar March 31, 2019 16:41 UTC