WASHINGTON, D.C. – A resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Angus King, I-Maine, to designate September 25, 2018, as “National Lobster Day” unanimously passed the Senate.

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.

“The lobster industry has always been a special part of Maine’s economy, history, and character,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “Lobsters are an economic force in coastal Maine communities and have supported the livelihoods of generations of lobstermen, processors, and dealers. In addition, this shellfish has become a Maine icon, with an international reputation that plays an important role in attracting millions of visitors to our state each summer. We’re proud that the Senate unanimously passed this resolution honoring not only the lobster, but the thousands of Mainers who work day-in and day-out to harvest, cook, and ship our state’s prized catch. We look forward to celebrating this important day in September!”

Lobster is one of the most valuable catches in the U.S., with approximately 150 million pounds landed at a value of more $500 million each year, according to a news release from King’s office.

Collins and King have been vocal advocates for the lobster industry by pushing back against proposals that would harm the continued growth and success of the industry.

Earlier this year, both senators strongly opposed a Department of Interior proposal that would open up the Gulf of Maine to offshore drilling, and in June they invited the U.S. Trade Representative to Maine to facilitate a dialogue between the agency and Maine’s lobster dealers and processors. 

“We’re very excited to celebrate National Lobster Day with the support of Senators King and Collins, and for the fourth year in a row underscore the impact that the hard work of men and women in Maine’s lobster industry has on the state’s economy,” said Matt Jacobson, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. “The September 25 holiday is a reminder that peak Maine Lobster season continues beyond summertime into early fall – a great time for people to enjoy fresh Maine Lobster at home or in restaurants.”

The full text of the “National Lobster Day” resolution can be viewed HERE and below:

RESOLUTION

Designating September 25, 2018, as ‘‘National Lobster Day’’.

Whereas American lobster is consistently among the most valuable species landed in the United States; 

Whereas lobstering has served as an economic engine and family tradition in the United States for centuries;

Whereas thousands of families in the United States make their livelihoods from catching, processing, or serving lobsters;

Whereas the lobster industry employs people of all ages, and many harvesters begin fishing as children and stay in the industry for their entire working lives; 

Whereas historical lore notes that lobster likely joined turkey on the table at the very first Thanksgiving feast in 1621, and it continues to be a mainstay during many other holiday traditions; 

Whereas responsible resource management practices beginning in the 1600s have created one of the most sustainable fisheries in the world; 

Whereas, throughout history, United States presidents have served lobster at their inaugural celebrations and state dinners with international leaders;

Whereas lobster is an excellent, versatile source of lean protein that is low in saturated fat and high in vitamin B12; 

Whereas the peak of the lobstering season in the United States occurs in the late summer;

Whereas the growing reputation of the American lobster as a unique, high-quality, and healthy food has increased its consumption and driven demand internationally; 

Whereas the Unicode Consortium added a lobster to its latest emoji set in recognition of the popularity of the species around the world;

Whereas countless people in the United States enjoy lobster rolls to celebrate summer, from beaches to backyards and fine dining restaurants to lobster shacks; 

Whereas lobster inspires festivals from Maine to California, where people come together to celebrate their love for the crustacean; 

Whereas many people in the United States continue to enjoy steamed lobster with drawn butter; and 

Whereas the number of recipes incorporating lobster is growing with chefs across the United States incorporating the protein in new and creative ways from lobster dumplings to lobster grilled cheese:  

Now, therefore, be it resolved, That the Senate—

(1)   designates September 25, 2018, as ‘‘National Lobster Day’’; and

(2)   encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.