Stancioff speaks with Guardian about lobster industry changes
The Guardian interviewed Esperanza Stancioff, climate change educator for University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Sea Grant, about changes in the lobster industry. Stancioff said that over time the center of Maine’s lobster fishery has shifted from Thomaston to Stonington and Canada. Lobsters also have been moving farther offshore, requiring fishermen to obtain an offshore license, a larger boat and different gear, Stancioff said. Lobster fishermen also worry about increasing regulation and gear upgrades implemented to protect right whales. “There’s a lot coming at them,” Stancioff said. “COVID-19 put it over the edge.”