About

Our Mission Statement

The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association is a member-driven organization that accepts and supports the interdependence of species conservation and the members’ collective economic interests.

Our History

The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) was established in 1963 by the fishermen, for the fishermen, and today stands as one of the leading commercial fishing industry associations in New England. Representing more than 1,800 members, the MLA is dedicated to preserving both the lobster resource and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

From its inception, the MLA has taken a proactive role on issues impacting the lobster industry. The Association remains actively engaged in the management process at both the state and federal levels, ensuring that the voices of lobstermen are heard in critical decision-making arenas.

For more than six decades, the MLA has built a reputation as a trustworthy and respected advocate for the industry. Both the fishing community and regulatory agencies alike look to the Association as a reliable voice on issues of sustainability, management, and the future of the fishery.

Board of Directors

Arthur Sawyer
President
Home Port: Gloucester f/v Life is Good
Bill Lister
Vice President
Home Port: Barnstable f/v Mussel Point
Jarrett Drake
Vice President
Home Port: New Bedford f/v Cynthia Lee
Dave Casoni
Secretary / Treasurer
Home Port: Sandwich Basin f/v Margaret M
Mark Ring
Board Member
Home Port: Gloucester f/v Stanley Thomas
Mike Bartlett
Board Member
Home Port: Beverly f/v Hanna Mary
Steve Holler
Board Member
Home Port: Boston f/v November Gail
Eric Lorentzen
Board Member
Home Port: Hull f/v McCaffrey
Robert Ward
Board Member
Home Port: Plymouth f/v Captain George II
Bob Nihtila Sr.
Board Member
Home Port: Marshfield f/v Phoenix
Tom Tomkiewicz
Board Member
Home Port: Fairhaven f/v Intimidator
Dave McGee
Board Member
Home Port: Fairhaven f/v Caleigh & Kelsey
Bill Souza
Board Member
Home Port: Provincetown f/v Raider III

Staff

Beth Casoni
Executive Director

Beth joined the MLA in 2008 and is a pro-active participant in many areas involving the commercial fishing industry with her primary focus on the commercial lobster industry. As the Executive Director for the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association Beth is the boots on the ground representative for the commercial fishermen and will always give them the shore side support needed to ensure their continued success on the water.

Tracey Abboud
Executive Assistant - Program Coordinator

Tracey joined the MLA in August of 2014 as the Executive Assistant. Tracey is the primary interface in the office and is instrumental in; assisting, coordinating, planning and supporting the MLA members, updating the MLA Classifieds, processing new memberships and answering scores of questions members may have. Tracey organizes, participates, and executes Industry Trade shows, festivals, and public relations events throughout the Commonwealth. Tracey is also the Program Coordinator for the Lobster Foundation of Massachusetts. In this role Tracey processes state and federal grant applications. Tracey is an enthusiastic team player with notable customer service and public relations.

Julia Logan
Administrative Director

Julia joined the MLA in August of 2024 as the Administrative Director. Julia works closely with the Executive Director (ED) on the day-to-day business of running the MLA and the current issues the MLA is working on. Additionally, the Administrative Director will be intertwined with all the companies under the MLA to support, implement, and back up staff whenever needed. These companies include but are not limited to: Fishermen Services (FISH), Lobster Foundation of Massachusetts (LFoM) and, the MLA Non-Profit Boat Protection Corporation (MLANPBPC). Lastly, this role will aid in bringing the MLA image up-to-speed with the modern world of digital advertising and technology.

MLA Delegates 2023-2028