Designating September 25, 2017, as “National Lobster Day”.

Designating September 25, 2017, 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, with approximately 150,000,000 pounds of lobster landed each year in the United States, at an annual value of more than $500,000,000, lobster represents 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 nearly tripled since 2005;

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 2017 marks the 145th anniversary of lobster conservation efforts in the United States, starting with a Maine law banning the harvest of egg-bearing females;

Whereas, throughout history, United States Presidents have served lobster at their inaugural celebrations and state dinners with international leaders;

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

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

Whereas the preservation and long distance transportation of lobster meat was first achieved 175 years ago with the advent of a canning process;

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

Whereas lobster is enjoyed at casual beach-side lobster boils and also revered as a delicacy at fine dining restaurants: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved,