The US Government Just Added National Lobster Day To The Calendar
Take heart, lobster lovers, because September 25 is your new favorite day. In a mark of rare bipartisanship, the United States Senate unanimously passed a bill by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) that will designate September 25, 2021 as "National Lobster Day" (via Senator Shaheen). Lobsters are a significant contributor to the economy of New England, from fishing crews to boat sales to equipment, restaurant, and the creation of those mouth-watering lobster rolls (not to mention lobster tails). Celebrating this important part of the ecology and economy of the area is a true win for locals.
As Senator Shaheen describes it all, "Lobster is an essential part of New Hampshire's booming fishing and seafood industry. I'm proud to support Senator King's resolution designating National Lobster Day to support our fishermen and their critical role in our state's economy, history and culture" (via Seacoast Current). Acknowledging this important part of New England culture helps celebrate years of lobster love.
A lobster lover's celebration
The American lobster is reportedly fished from Maine to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina (via NOAA Fisheries). In 2019, commercial lobster accounted for 125.8 million pounds, with a value of more than $628.5 million. In 2020 in Maine alone, lobster crews were estimated to have brought in more than $400 million for a total of 96 million pounds of lobster (via Seacoast Current). It's clear that this clawed crustacean is definitely due the acknowledgment from Senators Shaheen and Hassan's resolution.
Senator Hassan also shares, "Granite Staters and New Englanders alike know how important lobstering is to our economy and what a pivotal role it plays in helping fuel our tourism industry. National Lobster Day is a time to celebrate not only lobsters, but also the fishermen and the restaurant workers who help bring them to our plates."
Lobster Day was also celebrated on September 25, 2019, through a resolution brought by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) (via Senator Collins).