Gulf of Maine / Georges Bank
- Not depleted; overfishing occurring.
- Average abundance: 202 million lobsters.
- Management target: 229 million; limit: 143 million.
- Abundance declined 34% from its 2018 peak through 2023.
Latest assessment: ASMFC published its peer-reviewed American lobster benchmark stock assessment overview in November 2025. Read the official overview.
American Lobster Conservation
An evidence-led guide to Homarus americanus, fishery management, stock status, and conservation in U.S. Atlantic waters.
Current stock-status statements are anchored to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's 2025 peer-reviewed benchmark assessment.
What the 2025 benchmark assessment found
ASMFC's peer-reviewed assessment is the primary source for the stock-status statements below. Values are three-year averages for 2021–2023.
Southern New England
- Significantly depleted; overfishing not occurring.
- Average abundance: about 6 million lobsters.
- Commercial landings were 1.7 million pounds in 2023.
- The stock remains at historically low abundance.
Primary source: American Lobster Benchmark Stock Assessment Overview — 2025.
Explore the evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers based on the 2025 ASMFC benchmark assessment and official management sources.
What is the current status of the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank stock?
The 2025 ASMFC benchmark assessment classified the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank stock as not depleted, with overfishing occurring. Average abundance for 2021–2023 was 202 million lobsters, below the 229 million target but above the 143 million limit.
What is the current status of the Southern New England stock?
ASMFC classified the Southern New England stock as significantly depleted, with overfishing not occurring. Average abundance for 2021–2023 was about 6 million lobsters.
Who manages the American lobster fishery?
ASMFC coordinates interstate management in state waters, while NOAA Fisheries manages the federal fishery. State agencies also implement rules within their jurisdictions.
Join the Conservation Effort
Start with the biology, then review how interstate and federal fishery management works.