Watch Lobster War: The Fight Over The World's Richest Fishing Grounds

Lobster War: The Fight Over The World's Richest Fishing Grounds is a 2018 documentary exploring the centuries-long dispute between the United States and Canada over lobster fishing in the Gulf of Maine. Directed by David Abel, the film features interviews with fishermen, scientists, and policymakers on both sides of the border, as well as stunning footage of the rugged coastline and choppy waters that make up the contested area.

The film opens with a brief history of the dispute, which dates back to the Treaty of Paris in 1783, when the newly-formed United States claimed a 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) along its coastline. Canada, which was still part of the British Empire at the time, contested this claim and argued that it had its own rights to the waters surrounding its maritime provinces. Despite numerous attempts at negotiation and arbitration, the two countries have never been able to fully resolve the issue, leading to ongoing tensions and occasional outbreaks of violence.

Today, the dispute centers primarily on the valuable lobster grounds of the Gulf of Maine, which is home to some of the most productive fishing areas in the world. Lobster fishing is a crucial part of the economy for both the United States (especially Maine) and Canada (especially New Brunswick and Nova Scotia), and tensions run high as each side accuses the other of overfishing and violating each other's sovereign rights.

The film takes a deep dive into the perspectives of the people directly affected by the dispute, including lobster fishermen who have been forced to change their routines and navigate complex regulations in order to avoid getting caught up in the crossfire. Several fishermen describe how they have been harassed and even threatened by authorities from the opposing country, while others describe the economic toll that the dispute has taken on their businesses and communities.

The film also features interviews with scientists and policymakers, including Andy Pershing of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, who explain the complex ecological dynamics that make lobster fishing in the Gulf of Maine so challenging. Lobster populations have been rising and falling dramatically in recent years, thanks in part to climate change and shifting ocean currents, which can make it difficult to manage the fishery sustainably. The film raises questions about whether the current regulatory systems are robust enough to protect the lobster population and maintain fair access to the fishery for both countries.

Ultimately, Lobster War is a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of a conflict that has lasted for generations and shows no signs of abating. From heart-wrenching scenes of fishermen struggling to make a living to gripping footage of tense confrontations on the high seas, the film paints a vivid picture of the human impact of this ongoing geopolitical dispute. Through its careful reporting and powerful storytelling, the film raises important questions about the future of sustainable fishing and international diplomacy in the 21st century.

Lobster War: The Fight Over The World's Richest Fishing Grounds is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.