ME lobster brought in less money in 2022 than in 2021 [Video]

ROCKLAND, Maine — Maine lobster brought in 47 percent less money in 2022 than in 2021, new data from the Department of Marine Resources shows.

The drop in income comes from a combination of high fuel and bait prices, along with uncertainty in the industry from ongoing legal battles, those in the industry said.

The dip in income was also expected, those same industry people said, as 2021 saw incredible sales numbers for Maine lobster.

“Two summers ago was our dream year,” Addison Ames Jr, a lobsterman from Vinalhaven, said. “Two years ago, we got the highest price we ever got. Oh man, it was a sweet year.”

Ames, 68, said he’s fished on the island his entire life with his brother, and the ongoing legal battle surrounding the industry puts uncertainty in …