Seafood News & Current Events
The turning point in the debate over Maine's lobster size regulations came during a heated meeting between lobstermen and Maine Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher. According to WGME, tensions flared as opponents argued the rule change would unfairly benefit Canadian lobstermen, who were not subject to the same restrictions, creating a competitive disadvantage for Maine’s industry. Amid the chaotic exchanges, Keliher announced the rule would be withdrawn pending new stock survey data and promised to include lobstermen in both data collection and the development of future conservation strategies.
“I think this is the right thing to do because the future of the industry is at stake for a lot of different reasons,” Keliher remarked during the meeting. However, the discussion escalated when an attendee accused him of “selling out to NOAA and Canada.” In response, Keliher retorted, “F*** you, I sold out,” sparking uproar among the crowd. Following the contentious exchange, Keliher issued an apology, citing his passion for the industry and frustration with perceived unfair criticism of his motives.
