WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins today introduced a resolution that would designate September 25, 2017, as "National Lobster Day." Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) also sponsored the resolution, which recognizes the historic and economic importance of lobster in the United States.

"Maine's lobster industry helps drive our economy, supports our coastal communities, and is an integral part of our state's heritage," Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. "The fishery supports the livelihoods of thousands of harvesters, processors, and shippers up and down Maine's coast who rely on lobster to provide for their families, and in turn provide one of the world's greatest delicacies to families across the globe. It is important to take time to celebrate the positive impact of the lobster industry, and we look forward to our colleagues joining us in supporting 'National Lobster Day' to recognize lobster's prominent role in Maine and other coastal states."

Lobster fishing has served as an economic engine and a family tradition in the United States for centuries, helping to support the livelihoods of thousands of families through fishing, processing, and shipping. Nearly 150 million pounds of lobster are caught each year in U.S. waters, representing one of our country's most valuable catches.

The "National Lobster Day" resolution can be read HERE,