Maine fishermen earned an additional $25 million dockside in 2023.
The total value of Maine’s fisheries came to $611,277,692, according to preliminary figures for 2023 the Maine Department of Marine Resources released Friday morning.
That’s a boost compared with 2022’s $574,049,682, but a far cry from the record more than $890 million hauled in throughout 2021. 2022’s catch was more in line with recent catches.
“The Maine seafood industry continues to be a powerful economic engine for our state,” Gov. Janet Mills said. “The dedication to sustainability and premium quality by our fishermen, aquaculturists and dealers is a source of tremendous pride for everyone who calls Maine home.”
The increase over the value of 2022’s catch was attributed to strong prices for Maine lobster, which remains the state’s most valuable fishery. Lobstermen earned $4.45 per pound, up from $3.97 the year before. That brought the value of the lobster catch to $464,371,720, or $72 million more than in 2022.
“The price Maine lobstermen received last year is a reflection of the continued strong demand for this iconic seafood,” Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher said. “Consumers and buyers recognize the Maine lobster industry’s longstanding commitment to sustainable, responsible harvesting practices and how it provides a unique, premium culinary experience.”
Behind lobster came elvers, which netted fishermen $2,009 a pound for a total value of $19,508,478 in 2023. Maine is the only state with a significant elver fishery, and federal regulators are keeping in place Maine’s 9,688-pound quota for the coming year, which Keliher said prevented the “loss of millions of dollars in income” for fishermen.
The No. 3 most-valuable catch was softshell clams, and fishermen raked in $13,881,073 from the species.
Oyster fishermen benefited from an additional 20 cents a pound last year, bringing the value of their catch to more than $11 million.
Rounding out the most-valuable species targeted by Maine fishermen was menhaden, a popular lobster bait also referred to as pogies. Fishermen earned more than $10 million catching menhaden last year.
