Independent operators remember the good times as they struggle to adapt to a changing industry.
STONINGTON, Maine—For veteran lobsterman Travis Dammier, it was the end of another trip at sea on a solo voyage to earn a living.
He was approaching home, feeling less than excited as he navigated his fishing boat, My Kassandra, through the calm waters back to the commercial port of Stonington, Maine.
With little fanfare, the 36-foot vessel powered effortlessly toward the Greenhead Lobster Co. dock, stopping on its starboard side.
Dammier moved quickly as he secured the vessel with thick ropes.
Two dockworkers greeted him, and together they began transferring the live lobsters into large plastic containers for sale in the local market.
Dammier was pleased to return safely with his moving cargo, ready to sell in bulk, even though this landing was light at 140 pounds.
After factoring in expenses for fuel and bait, he estimated his profit at around $100 for three hours of hard labor.
He knew he needed to check more traps and make additional trips to ensure his time and effort would be worthwhile.
Dammier fondly recalled the glorious days of lobster fishing closer to shore, when daily catches could exceed 1,000 pounds and yield substantial profits.
Those years of abundance seemed they’d never end, but they eventually did.
Now, Dammier is compelled by circumstance to venture further out to sea and spend extended periods away from Stonington, about halfway up the Maine coastline.
“This time of year is brutal,” Dammier said. May is typically considered a lean month for the lobster harvest season.
New Challenges
Making a living from lobster fishing has become increasingly difficult for experienced independent lobstermen such as Dammier.
The rising costs of doing business, along with uncertain profits and declining landing volumes since the exceptional peaks of the 1990s and 2000s, all contribute to the challenges faced in this industry.
Dammier’s profound love for lobster fishing is the only constant, a passion inherited from his grandfather.
At 41, he is tall and easygoing. He wears a baseball cap and a gray hooded sweatshirt with rolled sleeves, layered underneath bright orange and yellow waterproof coveralls.
By Allan Stein
