New England Lobstermen Still Busy Thanks To Mild Winter

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Many New England lobstermen are still fishing deep into December because of unseasonably warm weather and an abundance of the critters.

But many Maine lobstermen also fish for scallops and haven't transitioned to the winter scalloping season. Maine scallops have been slightly more expensive or harder to find this winter for some consumers.

Lobster fishing off New England peaks in the summer, and the fleet typically reduces to a few hardy souls when the cold months arrive. But fishermen and dealers say more boats than usual are on the water because conditions are still good for trapping the crustaceans.

The extra fishing hasn't done much to change prices.

Maine lobsters are selling in the range of $8 to $10 per pound, which is typical for this time of year.