America's lobster catch is already dipping — the haul in Maine, which harvests most U.S. lobster, fell from a high of 132.6 million pounds in 2016 to 93.7 million last yearin his three decades on the water, but the latest challenge — which might sound tiny — could be the biggest one yet.
In addition to causing a dispute between fishermen and regulators, the change has led to confusion about the ramifications for international trade in one of the world's most popular seafoods. "We're seeing a decline in recruits that will probably result in a decline in adults later on," said Caitlin Starks, a senior fishery management plan coordinator with the commission.
Some conservationists support of the changes, which they feel will protect lobsters from depletion from overfishing. That's especially important"in the face of unprecedented climate change in the Gulf of Maine," said Erica Fuller, an attorney in the ocean program at Conservation Law Foundation.