Send a text

🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Jason Joyce — Part Three

“We Have Lost Around 1,800 License Holders” — Joyce On Maine’s Declining Number Of Lobster Fishermen

In Part Three of Corenna and David Quirk’s conversation with Jason Joyce, Director of Advocacy at the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, the discussion turns to the long-term future of Maine’s lobster industry and the challenges facing the next generation of fishermen.

Joyce explains why many in the industry believe expanding lobster hatcheries could help strengthen future stock levels, recounting past hatchery experiments in places like Cutler and Stonington and the scientific efforts used to track released lobsters in the wild. The conversation also explores how fishermen enter the industry, from generational fishing families to apprenticeships requiring 2,000 hours on the water, and the growing financial barriers new fishermen face when purchasing boats and gear.

Joyce reflects on the shrinking number of lobster license holders in Maine, noting the state has lost roughly 1,800 fishermen in recent years. The episode also touches on the broader seafood economy, the importance of supporting American seafood, and Maine lobster’s global reputation as one of the state’s most iconic products.

The conversation concludes with a look at a legislative fight over a proposal that would have removed the requirement for a Maine pilot aboard the international ferry traveling between Nova Scotia and Bar Harbor. Joyce explains why fishermen and maritime pilots argued the safety measure should remain in place and how that effort ultimately succeeded.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & The Voice of Maine App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.