PORTLAND, Maine (AP) _ The Maine Lobstermen's Association wants the U.S. Justice Department to lift a 56-year-old restriction that limits the trade group's ability to discuss management of the fishery.
A consent decree was put in place after a price-fixing judgment against the organization and its leader. It bans the group from discussions any issues that affect the supply of lobster.
The Portland Press Herald reported that the association, which represents 1,200 commercial lobstermen, believes the consent decree is obsolete and unnecessary because the association does not engage in lobster fishing. Also, the group says federal antitrust laws now prohibit price fixing.
Lobstermen have struggled with low prices caused by big catches in recent years. Last year, 125.9 million pounds of lobster, valued at $364.5 million, were trapped in the state.