Lobstering has kept the fishing industry on Swan’s Island the major industry from the mid 20th century to today. Islanders caught lobsters as early as the homesteading times, but most of the lobsters caught were to keep food on their tables. During the ebb and flow of the major fishing times for cod, haddock or mackerel, lobsters were also caught.
Walter Joyce with lobster, Swan's Island, ca. 1930
Swan's Island Historical Society
Fishermen turned predominantly to lobstering, scalloping, and shrimping as the supply of fish such as cod, flounder, and halibut diminished. At the same time urban markets welcomed this change of seafood. Steamboats were replacing the sailed boats and thus were better able to get the fresh catch to the markets in a timely manner.
Lobsterman holding one giant lobster, Swan's Island, ca. 1930
Swan's Island Historical Society
Walter Joyce, the man in the picture at the left, is holding a sizable lobster as is Charlie Burns in the picture on the right. These pictures were taken in the 1930s.
The picture below shows two dories. The dory in the foreground has wooden lobster traps on it, while the dory in the background has a trawling tub on it. Although this picture is from the 1930s, dories would be seen in and around the harbor fishing for lobster or trawling for fish in the 1940s and 1950s.
Two men in dories, Swan's Island, ca. 1930
Swan's Island Historical Society
More recent pictures of lobster fishing show the transformation of lobster fishing during the late 1900s with advancements in boat size and the change in boat building materials. Boat engines and fishing equipment also changed.
Fishing for tuna with a harpoon, Swan's Island, ca. 1950
Swan's Island Historical Society
With strict conservation measures the lobster industry has remained healthy along the Maine coast from Kittery north including Downeast Maine. Closed seasons, lobster size limits, licensing of fisherman, and protection of seed lobsters have been some of the measures Maine has taken to preserve the lobster. Swan’s Island fishermen have been active in supporting conservation measures in the fishing grounds they use. They are one of the few islands that created their own limits in local waters.
Five men discussing the lobster haul of the day, Swan's Island, 1950
Swan's Island Historical Society
A successful trap limit was enforced in 1984 that reduced the pressure on younger fishermen and the lobster fishery in general. The current trap limit continues to be 475.
There remains among the Swan's Island fishermen, a concern to keep the balance between a strong livelihood and not over fishing the lobster population.
