FILE - In this May 21, 2012, file photo, Scott Beede returns an undersized lobster while fishing in Mount Desert, Maine. The harvest of crustaceans in America's biggest lobstering state is usually in full swing by July, but fishermen say they aren't catching much so far this season. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - It's a slow lobster season so far in Maine, but fishermen are still hopeful it'll be a good one.
The harvest of crustaceans in America's biggest lobstering state is usually in full swing by July, but fishermen say they haven't caught much this month. The season tends to pick up after many lobsters shed their shells and reach legal size. Fishermen say that hasn't happened yet.
But the slow season isn't resulting in high prices. Consumers are paying about what they did last year. The slow start also means a bait shortage hasn't caused much worry.
Maine typically accounts for about 80% of the nationwide lobster haul. Catches this decade have been much higher than any in the state's history. The haul peaked at 132.6 million pounds (60.2 million kilograms) in 2016 and nearly topped 120 million pounds (54 million kilograms) last year.
FILE - In this August 2018 file photo, a lobsterman tends to his traps off Cape Elizabeth, Maine. The harvest of crustaceans in Americaâs biggest lobstering state is usually in full swing by July, but fishermen say they arenât catching much.(AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this July 2019 file photo, a lobster boat heads out to sea at dawn off South Portland, Maine. Itâs a slow lobster season so far in Maine, but fishermen are still hopeful itâll be a good one. The harvest of crustaceans in Americaâs biggest lobstering state is usually in full swing by July, but fishermen say they arenât catching much. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
The Associated Press