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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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In Uncertain Economy, Maine Lobstermen Stew

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(Newser) – Maine lobster prices are uncharacteristically low, leaving the industry unsettled on the eve of the all-important summer tourist season, the Portland Press Herald reports. Wholesale prices are as low as $3.25, and retail prices start at $5.50. But some aren’t worried by the mercurial interplay of supply, demand, weather, and gas prices. "I think that we're going to have a good season," said one lobster dealer.

Part of the problem is huge stockpiles of lobsters in Canada, which typically buys half of Maine's catch but currently can't absorb even its own domestic crop. "You can get trailer loads of (Canadian) lobsters delivered here cheaper than I can buy from a boat in Portland," says the owner of a seafood company there.

Cooked lobster claws and tails are seen at a lobster dealer in Portland, Maine.
Cooked lobster claws and tails are seen at a lobster dealer in Portland, Maine.   (AP Photo)
A fresh lobster is seen on the wharf at Cundy's Harbor, Maine, in July 2006.
A fresh lobster is seen on the wharf at Cundy's Harbor, Maine, in July 2006.   (AP Photo)
The law of supply and demand is catching up with the Maine lobster industry.
The law of supply and demand is catching up with the Maine lobster industry.   (Flickr)
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3 comments
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riffran
May 16, 09 3:46 AM CDT
mmmmmmmm.....steamed, then lightly grilled lobster tail, with a lemon, butter, parsely, and (just a tiny bit) dill reduction baste over peachwood and pecan flames, and a good ribeye....surf and turf.... Reply
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Nwambe
May 16, 09 6:44 AM CDT
I lost you after 'lightly grilled'. Reply
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Mad
May 16, 09 8:23 AM CDT
Talk about cheep lobster; I used to go into Mexico from San Diego to get one kilo lobster dinners for $10. Mexican lobster in mostly all tail, no claws, so at a kilo, that was over 2 pounds of lobster tail for less than $5/pound. Of course, they charged $3 a cerveza, so they made up for it Reply
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