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Lobster Union says Purchase Will Keep Profits With Fishermen

ROCKPORT, Maine - The Maine Lobstering Union has voted to spend $4 million to buy a lobster business in a move members hope will give fishermen a bigger share of profits.

The union voted Saturday to buy the wholesale side of the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound in Trenton. The Portland Press Herald reports that the pound includes a tank that can hold up to 180,000 pounds of lobster.

Local 207 President Rocky Alley says the purchase will allow lobstermen to start buying and selling their own lobsters. Lobstermen typically sell their catch at the dock. Alley says buying the pound will mean more of the profit will stay with fishermen.

The pound has been in the family of Trenton Bridge manager Warren Pettegrow for four generations. It ships live lobsters nationally and internationally.