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 a resolution designating Tuesday, September 25, 2018 as “National Lobster Day.”  The celebration marks the fourth straight year for the national recognition of one of New England’s most iconic crustaceans.

“Summer is officially over, but now is the perfect time to get out and enjoy a delicious lobster roll or fresh 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.  Happy Lobster Day to all and thank you to an industry that supports hundreds of Rhode Island families and helps bring tourists to the area to enjoy delicious, freshly caught lobster and seafood.”

Lobster fishing has served as an economic engine and a family tradition 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.

According to NOAA Fisheries most recent Fisheries of the U.S. report, American lobsters were the nation’s most valuable landed species in 2016.  Maine led the nation in American lobster landings, with 132 million pounds valued at nearly $537.9 million while Rhode Island lobstermen landed approximately 2.26 million pounds.  Rhode Island ranks 4th in the nation in lobster landings after Maine, Massachusetts (17.7 million pounds), and New Hampshire (5.7 million pounds).

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, which passed the U.S. Senate on July 31, 2018 text follows:

Designating September 25, 2018, as ‘‘National Lobster Day’’.

Whereas American lobster is consistently among the most valuable species landed in the United States;

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 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 latest emoji set 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 lobster inspires festivals from Maine to California, where people come together to celebrate their love for the crustacean;

Whereas many people in the United States continue to enjoy steamed lobster with drawn butter; and

Whereas the number of recipes incorporating lobster is growing with chefs across the United States incorporating the protein in new and creative ways from lobster dumplings to lobster grilled cheese: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate —

(1) designates September 25, 2018, as ‘‘National Lobster Day’’; and

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