IV
115th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 536
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 25, 2017
Mr. Poliquin (for himself and Ms. Pingree) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of 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
That the House of Representatives encourages the people of the United States to observe National Lobster Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.