WASHINGTON, DC –  In recognition of the economic, cultural, and historic importance of the lobster industry to Rhode Island and other coastal states, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today joined Americans in celebrating National Lobster Day and the contributions of lobstermen and women and Rhode Island’s culinary industry.

From lobster tours to dining specials to cooking at home, Rhode Islanders and Americans across the country are joining the celebration.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved S. Res.293, a resolution cosponsored by Senators Reed, Susan Collins (R-ME), and Angus King (I-ME) designating Tuesday, September 25, 2019 as “National Lobster Day.”  The celebration marks the fifth straight year for the national recognition of one of New England’s most iconic crustaceans.

“Summer is officially over, but today is a perfect opportunity to get a great deal on your favorite lobster dish,” said Senator Reed.  “For generations, the hard work, resiliency, and dedication of our lobstermen and women have been a vital part of our coastal communities.  The National Lobster Day celebration continues to grow each year and is a wonderful way to celebrate the contributions these hard-working individuals make to our economy.  It also highlights the connection between a clean, healthy environment and a vibrant coastal economy.  Rhode Island’s lobster fishery is an economic boon for our state and we need smart policies and action to preserve it.”

Lobster fishing has served as an economic engine and a family business in the United States for centuries, helping to support the livelihoods of thousands of families through fishing, processing, and shipping.  Nearly 150 million pounds of lobster are caught each year in U.S waters.

“Unfortunately, President Trump’s reliance on tariffs, a blunt instrument, as part of his erratic and destructive trade war, has created an economic burden on New England lobstermen by causing American lobster exports to China to drop by 80 percent,” noted Senator Reed, who also said the U.S. must act on climate change.  “A changing climate will lead to a change in species found in Rhode Island waters, and that will lead to a change in what’s available to catch and find on menus as well.”

According to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, lobster typically ranks as Rhode Island's second most valuable commercial fishery, behind squid.

The “National Lobster Day” resolution, passed the U.S. Senate on July 30, 2019.  Text follows:

Designating September 25, 2019, as “National Lobster Day”.

Whereas lobstering has served as an economic engine and family tradition in the United States for centuries;

Whereas thousands of families in the United States make their livelihoods from catching, processing, or serving lobsters;

Whereas the lobster industry employs people of all ages, and many harvesters begin fishing as children and stay in the industry for their entire working lives;

Whereas historical lore notes that lobster likely joined turkey on the table at the very first Thanksgiving feast in 1621, and it continues to be a mainstay during many other holiday traditions;

Whereas responsible resource management practices beginning in the 1600s have created one of the most sustainable fisheries in the world;

Whereas, throughout history, United States presidents have served lobster at their inaugural celebrations and state dinners with international leaders;

Whereas lobster is an excellent, versatile source of lean protein that is low in saturated fat and high in vitamin B12;

Whereas lobster is consistently being incorporated into trending recipes such as deviled eggs and burgers;

Whereas the peak of the lobstering season in the United States occurs in the late summer;

Whereas the growing reputation of the American lobster as a unique, high-quality, and healthy food has increased its consumption and driven demand internationally;

Whereas the Unicode Consortium added a lobster to its emoji set in 2018 in recognition of the popularity of the species around the world;

Whereas countless people in the United States enjoy lobster rolls to celebrate summer, from beaches to backyards and fine dining restaurants to lobster shacks;

Whereas lobsters are inspiring children’s books and characters in television shows in the United States;

Whereas lobsters have inspired artists in the United States and throughout the world for hundreds of years;

Whereas lobsters have been, and continue to be, used as mascots for sports teams; and

Whereas lobster inspires festivals from Maine to California, where people come together to celebrate their love for the crustacean: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates September 25, 2019, as “National Lobster Day”; and

(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.