A Record Haul In 2011

photo: Christian Science Monitor

An estimated 4,260 lobster fishermen in Maine caught a record number of lobsters this year, (93 million pounds, up from 81 million in 2009) worth $308.7 million. Not since the late 1990s and early 2000s has the state seen this kind of boon.

Scientists are crediting unusually warm water, which allowed lobsters to molt earlier--for an earlier catch in July--a month sooner than usual. An easing of state rules combined with a long-coming lobster population growth also factored in.

What lobstermen are saying everywhere, "I had a pretty good year." After recent years, that's fantastic to hear.

source: New York Times