Fast Facts: National Lobster Day

Two senators from Maine recently pushed a resolution through Congress to declare Sept. 25 as National Lobster Day. California’s own spiny lobster season begins a few days later, with divers and hoop netters officially allowed to hunt for the crustacean beginning Sept. 30.

Maine lobster is significantly distinct from their California counterparts. California’s spiny lobsters, most noticeably, do not have claws.

Nonetheless the resolution by Maine Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins hopes to encourage people to continue putting their “claws” into lobsters regardless of whether they are in New England or Southern California.

The resolution declared American lobster is “recognized around the world as a prized and flavorful culinary delicacy” and fishing for the crustacean “has served as an economic engine and family tradition in the United States for centuries.”

“Thousands of families in the United States make their livelihoods from lobster fishing and processing,” the resolution further stated. “With approximately 150 million pounds of lobster landed each year in the United States, at an annual value of more than $500 million, lobster represents one of the most valuable catches in the [country].”

The King-Collins resolution added foreign demand for U.S. lobster is “booming” and the crustacean has been a fabric in American culture since pre-Revolution times.

“Historical lore notes that lobster likely joined turkey on the table at the very first Thanksgiving feast in 1621,” the resolution stated. “Throughout history, United States presidents have served lobster at their inaugural celebrations and state dinners with international leaders.”