Blumenthal, Murphy Introduce Resolution to Designate September 25, 2016, as National Lobster Day

(Hartford, CT)—Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined a bipartisan group of Senators led by Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) in introducing a resolution to designate September 25, 2016, as “National Lobster Day” to recognize the historic and economic importance of lobster in the United States.

“Connecticut lobsters have been a staple at kitchen tables and an economic boon across New England for generations,” Blumenthal said. “Unfortunately, this vibrant culinary tradition and the critical industry jobs it supports are threatened by poor environmental conditions in the Long Island Sound. I hope that National Lobster Day will serve not only as a celebration of this uniquely New England food, but also as a call to improve the health of the Sound and recognize the livelihoods it supports.”

“The lobster industry is a big part of Connecticut’s economy and a big part of who we are,” said Murphy. “It brings in tourists from across the country and generates millions of dollars for the state each year. But all of that is at risk because our lobster stocks are declining due to warming oceans and poor conditions in Long Island Sound, and Connecticut fisherman and businesses are suffering because of it. I’m introducing this resolution for the second time so we can get Connecticut’s lobster industry the recognition it deserves.”

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 in the United States through fishing, processing, and shipping. More than 120 million pounds of lobster are caught each year in U.S. waters, representing one of our country’s most valuable catches.

The text of the “National Lobster Day” resolution is available below:

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RESOLUTION

Designating September 25, 2016, as ‘‘National Lobster Day’’.

Whereas the American lobster is recognized around the world as a prized and flavorful culinary delicacy;

Whereas lobster fishing 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 lobster fishing and processing;

Whereas more than 120,000,000 pounds of lobster is caught each year in the waters of the United States, representing one of the most valuable catches in the United States;

Whereas foreign markets for lobster from the United States are booming, with export values having more than doubled since 2009;

Whereas historical lore notes that lobster likely joined turkey on the table at the very first Thanksgiving feast in 1621;

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

Whereas Lobster Newburg was featured at the inaugural dinner celebration for President John F. Kennedy;

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

Whereas lobster has become a culinary icon, with the lobster roll featured at the 2015 World Food Expo in Milan, Italy;

Whereas the White House proudly served lobster at the State Dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping on National Lobster Day in 2015;

Whereas, on September 24, 2015, steamed lobster was prepared for the visit by Pope Francis to New York;

Whereas lobster is enjoyed at casual beach-side lobster boils and also revered as a delicacy at fine dining restaurants; and

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

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates September 25, 2016, as National Lobster Day; and

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

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