|
During
World War II lobster was considered a delicacy, and consequently
was not rationed. Thus lobster meat filled the increasing
demand for protein-rich food. People could afford it because
of the boom of the war-time economy. Although there was
a decline in lobster purchases immediately after the war,
lobster consumption rapidly rebounded. In the years between
1950 and 1969, per capita lobster consumption increased
from .585 pounds (live weight) to .999 pounds. At the same
time the cost of lobster outpaced inflation, increasing
profits for lobstermen and thereby encouraging more people
to join the industry. GIs were also given an added boost
with money from the GI Bill that funded some of the startup
costs.
|
