PORTLAND, Maine — Restaurants around Maine Sunday honored National Lobster Day. It's a holiday started in 2014 by Maine Senators Angus King and Susan Collins.
For 2022's celebration, it comes at a tumultuous time for the lobster industry.
From three different lawsuits involving gear and right whale regulations to a recent 'redlisting' by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the lobster industry has resurfaced in the news.
For the crew at Luke's Lobster in Portland, this day is huge for the industry.
"It's a pretty big deal... It's a resolution they put in five or so years ago... bringing attention to the industry," Meaghan Dillon, the marketing director for Luke's, said.
All this week, Luke's served a twin lobster dinner. Two lobsters and two sides for $30.
At SoPo Seafoods in South Portland, co-founder Joshua Edgecombe said this is the first year the restaurant is celebrating the holiday, as they opened last year.
"We started a business to support local fishermen, so it's a great way to do that... support local fishermen and getting people excited," Edgecombe said.
The special for this week at SoPo was a full menu dedicated to lobster. The highlight was a lobster roll with caviar for $29.
"It's coincidental timing but it's never been a more important time to come out and eat more lobster in Maine," Edgecombe said.
At Eventide Oyster in Portland, the crews offered up a sampler platter of lobster rolls.
James Hildebrand, who is visiting Maine, coincidentally bought the sample, which was promoted for National Lobster Day.
"I love eating it but it does sound stressful on the industry," Hildenbrand said.