(Image courtesy of Catch a Piece of Maine)

Catch a Piece of Maine was created with the help of family, friends and the community of lobstermen as a response to the financial realities facing lobstermen and a way of introducing folks across America to Maine’s lobstering traditions, trade and the sea.

By selling direct, Catch a Piece of Maine has toppled the barriers between lobsterman and consumer, allowing those who love to eat the freshest and most delicious lobster a chance to get to know the dedicated lobsterman who harvested their dinner. Bringing the consumer closer to the dock lets the lobsterman earn a premium and preserve the traditional working waterfront.

Lobstermen are all stewards of the sea; always making sure today’s catch is available for tomorrow’s lobsterman. The industry exemplifies hard work, tradition, heritage, and sustainability. They pride themselves on their eco-friendly manner of harvesting, producing little to no by-catch and enforcing strict laws to allow the release of all lobsters too small and too large.

Maine;s Working Waterfront

Lobstering is hard work and capital intensive, requiring boats that cost as much as a house, on top of equipment, traps and fuel. In the past several years the price of bait and fuel has tripled, while the working waterfront has been slowly disappearing.

According to the Island Institute 2007 Access Report, of the 5,300 miles of the Maine coast, only 20 miles remain as working waterfront. For the next generation of Maine lobstermen it is both an honor and obligation to preserve and share this heritage. They love the ocean and the way of life it offers. They can’t imagine working anywhere else and want to share their passion with Catch a Piece of Maine partners, while offering fresh caught lobsters that they can ship to themselves, customers and family.

The lobstermen say there's nothing like waking up before dawn and watching the sun rise as the first trap is hauled over the rail. Maine lobstermen share a camaraderie and mutual respect for the sea with their friends and family, many of whom have lobstered their entire lives. It's in their blood and nothing else matches the challenge, thrill, and passion they feel when they’re out on the water.

Show your support for Maine’s working waterfront and the values associated with it. Each month allows customers to purchase a Catch a Piece of Maine directly from the boat of the lobsterman of the month. Treat yourself or those you care about the most to a delicious and exciting feast.

To show your support for Maine’s lobstermen by enjoying a sumptuous lobster feast go to: Lobster Share

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