About AOLA

Offshore Lobster, Lobstering, Trade Association, Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen's Association

The Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen’s Association (AOLA) began in the early 1970’s as the Atlantic Offshore Fishermen’s Association. In 1992, the association was reorganized and renamed in order to proactively address regulatory issues, with its focus on conservation, preservation and sustainability of the resource now and into the future.

AOLA represents a large portion of the offshore lobster fleet and is a recognized leader and voice for the industry. AOLA also realizes the importance of including fishing related businesses, dependent on the offshore lobster fishery, as partners in the effort to protect the lobster resource. Together with our associate members, we work to keep our industry healthy and profitable.

Funding for AOLA originates primarily from dues paid by vessel owners belonging to the association, with additional contributions from associate members and grants.

Our Values Include:

  • Conservation: Our number one priority is to acquire and maintain a sustainable resource now and into the future.
  • Management: Sustain the resource through pro-active, industry recommended management measures that promote conservation of the lobster resource.
  • Cooperation: Promote cooperation among industry, scientists, academia, fishery managers, and state and federal agencies.
  • Knowledge: Conduct various investigations and experiments to increase the knowledge and awareness of the lobster resource and issues relating to the lobster industry.

Where Do Offshore Lobstermen Fish? Offshore lobster boats fish in Lobster Conservation Management Area 3, approximately 3 to 200 miles offshore, extending from Maine through North Carolina. Much of the fishery concentrates in the Northeast, specifically on Georges Bank and in the ledges off the continental shelf. Offshore operations differ from inshore fishing in that vessels are larger, typically 50 - 100 feet long and maintain a larger crew of 4 to 5 fishermen. An offshore fishing trip usually lasts 4-7 days.