Economist Charles Lawton has calculated the cost of further vessel attrition to Massachusetts because of Maine's bycatch lobster ban at 358 jobs and $30.1m in total sales by Maine businesses.  This is in addition to the 355 jobs and $30m in sales lost from 2000-2005.

Total volume at the Exchange in 2006 was 9.5m lb..  The Exchange projects that if lobster bycatch were allowed or the foregone revenue reimbursed, volume would climb to about 12.5m lb.  If it is not, more vessels will leave Maine, and volume may drop to around 5.1m lb.

Lawton extrapolated the difference in landed weight - 7.4m lb. - and found the difference between the "business as usual" and "replace bycatch" alternatives amounted to 358 jobs and $30.1m in sales.

Read the economic projection

Read the Exchange's foregone bycatch revenue package

Economic impact of Maine's bycatch prohibition 2000-2005

"Maine's Loss is Gloucester's Gain"