Lobsters are one of the mainstays of island table fare, but of far greater importance to the island than just a source of food. Much of the island's economy revolves around lobstering, and the success of a given season has a great bearing on many island families.

The big fella on the left in this photo weighed in at nearly four and a half pounds; that's about the largest legal Maine lobster one can purchase. The Maine lobster fishery has some very strict length limits, designed to keep the fishery healthy.

The legality of a Maine lobster is determined by measuring the carapace. Any lobster whose carapace measures less than three and a quarter inches or more than five inches must be returned to the sea. Also, when egg-bearing females are caught, the lobsterman puts a small notch in one of her tail flippers (called a v-notch) so that on subsequent catches, she'll be easily identified as a breeding female, and as such, must be released.

Truth be told, a smaller lobster generally makes for better eating. Lobsters weighing from about a pound to a pound and a half tend to be a bit sweeter and more succulent.

Another great benefit of island life: the lobsters are fresh and they're a cheap meal!