Long Island Sound lobster industry in tatters as 2013 landings hit record low
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SCOM] August 19, 2014
Long Island's once $100 million lobster industry is in tatters as landings fell to a record low in 2013.
Last fall, officials closed the season early, but expected only about a 10% drop in total landings. Instead, landings were down 54%, to a paltry 121,700 lbs. This is the lowest harvest on record.
Disease, insecticide poison, and warming waters have all combined to threaten lobster populations south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
The economic toll of the decline has been significant. From a high point in 1998, the number of commercial lobstermen has dropped 75%, and the number of recreational or part time lobstermen has fallen 84%.
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