The Decibel Boiling point: the uncertain future of lobster fishing
Oct 2, 2025
Greg Mercer, an investigative reporter and author of "Lobster Trap," dives into the booming yet troubled lobster industry. He discusses how lobster transformed from a local delicacy to a luxury good, driven by global demand. Mercer highlights the dire consequences of overfishing and warming oceans, which threaten lobster populations and lead to intense conflicts, particularly over Indigenous fishing rights. He warns of potential ecological collapse, drawing parallels to past fishery disasters, while emphasizing the need for effective regulation to sustain this vital industry.
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Childhood Reaction Turns Into Food Passion
- Greg Mercer remembers being terrified of lobster as a kid and watching his family tear into them.
- He later came to love lobster and appreciate it as a versatile, delicious food.
Lobster Fishing Is Highly Industrialized
- Modern lobster captains run multimillion-dollar operations with high revenues and expensive boats.
- Fishing has industrialized into large offshore vessels targeting big volumes for export.
A Wild Stormy Trip At Sea
- Greg joined fishermen at sea and experienced severe weather and seasickness on a wild post-storm trip.
- Fishermen treated extreme conditions as routine, showing how tough and dangerous the work is.
