Meet the organization helping Lewiston kids get into the lobster industry

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 5, 2026

As he hoisted the traps onto the Sea Smoke’s deck, Lewiston native Carlos carefully eyed each lobster and plopped them into a blue barrel with the rest of the day’s catch. Whatever lobsters did not fit the bill — maybe too small or egg bearing— they were tossed overboard by either Ryan or Gidilson, who made up the rest of Carlos’ crew. Carlos, 20, Ryan, 17, and Gidilson, 17, are three of just over 30 students who spent their summer working toward their lobster license through the program Lift All Boats, which helps young people who are interested in the lobstering community — but who may have limited connections to it — work their way toward a commercial license.