Business Notes SEAFOOD

Before it became an expensive delicacy, lobster was dismissed as poor people's food. This summer the crustacean is once again food for the poor. A surplus of the seafood has lowered the price that Maine lobstermen earn for their catch to as little as $1.50 per lb., at least $1 less than usual. Angry about the going rate, fishermen have given away more than a ton of lobsters to local charities. Prices are falling because demand has failed to keep up with an overabundant catch. The slumping economy has hurt tourism in New England, and families have been avoiding luxury foods. But don't expect bargains when eating out: many restaurants still charge top dollar because they think customers are inured to high prices. Lobstermen hope that profits will rise soon, when brokers begin stockpiling the crustaceans for the winter.