Impending Legislation Could Harm Stonington’s Lobster Industry

The Stonington lobster industry has faced threat after threat to its way of life. Overcoming dwindling lobster populations, increased regulations, financial challenges and loss of legacy lobstermen, these fishermen aren’t sure they can survive the latest proposed regulations. 

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is meeting to consider proposals to replenish lobster populations in Southern New England, which could reduce lobster catches by 50 and 75 percent. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission oversees fisheries along the Atlantic Coast and promotes sustainable fishing.

The issue is it would significantly restrict lobster fishing and could shorten the amount of time lobsterman could fish.

“It could decimate the local lobstering industry,” First Selectman Edward Haberek Jr. said.

Haberek, several Stonington lobstermen and Bill Gash of the Connecticut Maritime Coalition met with Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen on Monday to discuss the impending legislation and the effects it could have on the industry.

Haberek said Jepsen seemed supportive, which could be helpful to the local industry if or when local comments are asked for by the federal government.

“It was a very successful meeting,” Haberek said. “I think we were able to gain his support.”

Diseases have hit lobster populations in southern New England hard. One of the reasons for the proposed regulation is to give the population time to recover, but opponents of the regulation believe there are too many questions regarding the die-off.

In Stonington, the lobster industry has already been severely reduced over the years and Haberek said there are legacy concerns where family members no longer see the financial opportunity of taking over the business. Haberek estimated there are about 15 lobstermen in Stonington today and only about 250 in the entire state.

“It’s a critical industry to our town,” Haberek said.

Haberek and Stonington lobstermen have also met with the Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and with Rep. Joe Courtney. Haberek said they will seek to continue the conversation.