Did You Know The University of Maine Has a Lobster Institute?

How in the heck did I not know there was a freakin' Lobster Institute in Maine? I mean seriously, lobsters deserve an education, too!

Okay, that's not exactly what the Lobster Institute is. It's not a place where lobsters go to learn, though that would be wicked novel, wouldn't it? On the contrary, the U-Maine Lobster Institute is actually where regular Mainers and fishermen alike can learn more about the state's longest-running (and most lucrative) fishery.

How long has Maine actually had a 'lobster institute'?

Since way back in 1987 (also the year I was born!), the Lobster Institute at the University of Maine has been leading the charge when it comes to learning about and protecting the American lobster fishery. Their main goal is to keep the lobster industry sustainable across both the U.S. and Canada.

They’re not just focused on research either. They also break down the science so regular folks can understand it, and they host workshops and conferences to bring everyone together to tackle the big issues this iconic fishery faces.

Who benefits from the U-Maine Lobster Institute?

The Lobster Institute’s big-picture goal is to help make sure the American lobster industry stays both sustainable and profitable. They’re all about open communication between everyone involved, from the folks hauling traps to the people making policy.

They also push for solid, science-backed research that supports healthy oceans, smart conservation and a strong future for the Maine industry. At the end of the day, they want the whole University of Maine community working hand-in-hand with the lobster world. That includes the fishermen, managers, scientists and even international experts, all to help keep this iconic Maine fishery thriving.

As much as we talk about lobsters and the lobster industry here in Maine, it's amazing how much behind-the-scenes 'stuff' we don't actually know about. From lobster policy to lobster health and everything in between, the U-Maine Lobster Institute is helping to bridge the gap- and we think that's wicked-cool!