Blumenthal, Murphy join bipartisan regional effort to create ‘National Lobster Day’
U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy of Connecticut have joined seven of their fellow senators from New England in a successful bipartisan effort to name Sept. 25 as “National Lobster Day.”
The senate resolution “encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
Democratic Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed issued a statement Thursday announcing the resolution recognizes the “historic and economic importance of the lobster industry to Rhode Island and other coastal states.”
“This is a fitting tribute to our local lobstermen and women and the important economic impact lobsters have on Rhode Island’s economy. As consumer demand for sustainably harvested, wild-caught New England lobsters continues to grow, ‘National Lobster Day’ offers an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate an industry that supports hundreds of Rhode Island families and helps bring tourists to the area to enjoy delicious, freshly caught lobster and seafood,” Sen. Reed said. “It will also help showcase Rhode Island’s culinary diversity and boost sales. Whether you enjoy lobster fresh off the boat, or with fresh-made pasta, Rhode Island offers plenty of ways to join the celebration.”
Reed, Blumenthal and Murphy were joined in supporting the creation of National Lobster Day by Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.; Angus King I-Maine; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.; Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and Edward Markey, D-Mass.
Reed’s office sates that lobster fishing has served as an economic engine and a family tradition in the United States for centuries, helping to support the livelihoods of thousands of families through fishing, processing, and shipping. Nearly 150 million pounds of lobster worth an estimated $500 million are caught each year in U.S waters, representing one of the country’s most valuable catches.
In Connecticut, however, catches have dramatically declined over the past two decades in Long Island Sound. Factors such as warming water, polluted runoff, predators and overfishing have all been cited as possible reasons for the decline. Stonington, Groton and New London still are home to a small fleet of commercial lobster boats.
The resolution points out that export values for U.S. lobster have nearly tripled since 2005, it was likely served with turkey at the first Thanksgiving feast, has been served by U.S. presidents at inaugural celebrations and state dinners and this year marks the 145th anniversary of the country’s lobster conservation efforts, which began with a Maine law that banned the harvest of egg-bearing females.
It concludes by stating the crustacean has become a culinary icon, “enjoyed at casual beach-side lobster boils” to being “a delicacy at fine dining restaurants.”