06/10/2026
Last week, Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association Executive Director Beth Casoni and Administrative Director Julia Logan traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Massachusetts' lobstermen and seafood industry.
During their visit, they met with numerous federal leaders and agency representatives, including Senator Markey, members of Senator Warren’s team, Ruth Perry, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Ocean, Fisheries, and Polar Affairs within the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Laura Grimm, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere at NOAA, Tim Petty, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Deputy Administrator at NOAA, Mike Illenberg, Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Seafood, and Nick Goldstein, Assistant Chief Counsel for Environment at the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy.
These meetings provided valuable opportunities to discuss the challenges and priorities facing Massachusetts lobstermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities. The conversations were productive, insightful, and meaningful, and the MLA is grateful to each individual who took time out of their busy schedules to meet with us and engage in these important discussions. We appreciate their willingness to listen and their commitment to supporting America's seafood industry.
The week was filled with more than just impactful meetings. MLA Executive Director Beth Casoni also serves as Vice President of Seafood Harvesters of America, and on June 3, she participated in the 2026 NOAA Great American Fish Fry, helping showcase the best of American seafood.
Representing Massachusetts proudly, Beth and Julia welcomed visitors to the booth with warm cups of lobster bisque made with lobster sourced directly from Rockport, Massachusetts. Throughout the event, hundreds of attendees stopped by to sample the bisque, learn more about the seafood industry, and the importance of America's fishing communities.
One of the highlights of the day was when Beth personally served a cup of Rockport, MA lobster bisque to United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and had the opportunity to briefly discuss the importance of supporting and protecting Massachusetts lobstermen and the communities that depend on them.
The event was exceptionally well attended and warmly received. A special thank you to Seafood Harvesters of America for inviting the MLA to participate in this year's booth. We were honored to be part of such a successful event and are already looking forward to next year!🦞