Bayer Speaks with WLBZ About Higher Lobster Prices Following Long Winter
Bob Bayer, executive director of the Lobster Institute at the University of Maine, spoke with WLBZ (Channel 2) for a report about how the colder-than-average winter is playing a role in higher lobster prices. The current wholesale market price of lobster is up to an average of $9 a pound, according to the report. While the past winter did not decrease lobster populations, it chilled the water long enough to keep the crustaceans in one place, the report states. According to UMaine biologists, when the water is below 40 degrees, the lobsters don’t move around as much and are less interested in finding food, including the bait inside lobster traps. “Prices are higher because there aren’t as many lobsters available and demand is strong,” Bayer said, adding the cold water may help decrease the invasive green crab population. Bayer also spoke with the Maine Public Broadcasting Network for a report about the high lobster prices.