Patrick Whittle

Associated Press

Today in Manufacturing Podcast

Today in Manufacturing Podcast

Today in Manufacturing has a new podcast brought to you by the editors of Industrial Media. In each episode, we discuss the five biggest stories in manufacturing, and the implications they have on the industry moving forward.

In this Friday, March 13, 2020 photo, a lobster is seen at a packing facility in Kennebunkport, Maine. The worldwide markets for live lobsters have been disrupted by the coronavirus, and members of the industry are concerned it could worsen if the outbreak lingers into the summer. China is one of the biggest importers of lobster in the world, and it isn't taking any of the shellfish right now as it seems to control the spread of the virus.

Lobster Prices Tumble

Future is cloudy as exports shut down

A Massachusetts company is slated to acquire in 2020 what's left of the boats once owned by Carlos Rafael, who was forced out of the industry after an elaborate fraud. The fishing magnate, known as the Codfather, was sentenced in 2017 to nearly four years in prison after pleading guilty to evading fishing quotas and smuggling money to Portugal.

Codfather's Boats Slated for Sale

He was forced out of the industry after committing an elaborate fraud.

In this Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, file photo, shows the waterfront in Portland, Maine. Northeastern University announced on Monday, Jan. 27, 2020, they are planning a graduate school and research center in Portland in hopes of transforming the city into a technology hub and sparking economic growth.

Northeastern to Open $100M Research Center in Maine

The hope is to transform the city into a technology hub.

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China Deal Might Not Bail Out Lobster Industry

Seafood exporters hope to claw back into one of the world's biggest markets for lobster, but help might not have arrived in time for the biggest day on the calendar.

In this Aug. 24, 2019, file photo, a dealer at Cape Porpoise holds a 3 1/2 pound lobster in Kennebunkport, Maine. Members of the US lobster industry are hopeful a thaw in trade relations with China in 2020 could reopen one of the biggest markets in the world.

Lobster Industry Hopes to Renew Trade with China

China is one of the biggest markets in the world for lobsters.

In this Sept. 5, 2018 file photo, a lobster walks over the top of a lobster trap off the coast of Biddeford, Maine. A pair of studies published in 2019 by University of Maine scientists suggest the U.S. lobster industry is headed for a period of decline, but likely not a crash.

Lobster Catch Headed for Decline

Scientist reassures 'the sky isn't falling.'

In this March 28, 2018 file photo, a North Atlantic right whale feeds on the surface of Cape Cod bay off the coast of Plymouth, MA.

Progress on Whale Plan Between Lobstermen, Feds

A group representing Maine's lobstermen says it's now willing to work with the federal government on a plan to protect right whales after previously withdrawing support.

Food Waste in Schools

Other rules that exist to prevent the spread of diseases such as salmonella poisoning, will remain in effect.

Tuna Recovery Leads to Fight

The giant sushi fish are at historically low population levels but have recently shown positive signs.

In this Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, photo a 3.5 pound lobster is held by a dealer at Cape Porpoise in Kennebunkport, Maine. America's lobster exports to China have plummeted this year as new retaliatory tariffs have shifted business to Canada.

Lobster Exports Tank

Meanwhile, business is booming in Canada.

In this Oct. 14, 2014, file photo, Carlos Rafael talks on the phone at Homer's Wharf near his herring boat F/V Voyager in New Bedford, Mass. Rafael was sentenced to prison in 2017 after pleading guilty to evading fishing quotas and smuggling profits overseas. The federal government announced Monday, Aug. 19, 2019, it has settled its civil case against Rafael, a fishing magnate known as The Codfather, saying he will never be allowed to return to U.S. fisheries.

'Codfather' Can Never Fish Again

He was owner of the one of the largest commercial fishing operations in the country before the scandal broke.