Our Business

Nearly 5 years ago I started this business as an 18 year old full time college student. My passion for the working waterfront started from when I was young, oftentimes watching my father unload groundfish at local piers. I always knew I wanted to be a part of the fishing industry in some aspect.

After having worked in numerous positions in the fishing industry, I finally found my calling after spending a day lobstering with my father. After a long day of hauling lobster traps, I decided to start my own business centered around an untapped market- Jonah Crabs. Within a few weeks, I had bought my first box truck, and started driving up and down the coast of New England buying crabs off dozens of boats, on weekends and in between classes. 

Previous to Southern Maine Crabs, there were very few people buying Jonah Crabs in southern Maine. Now, Jonah Crabs are a growing market due to their sweet taste, relatively low prices, and high Vitamin B and Omega 3 contents. The more people find out about them, the more popular they get. 

Upon graduating from the University of New England in 2020 with a BA in Marine Entrepreneurship I decided to grow Southern Maine Crabs by securing a facility in Kittery, installing holding tanks for crabs and lobsters, and eventually venturing into supplying local boats with lobster bait, and buying their lobsters as well.

After 5 years in business, I’m proud to represent a small number of hardworking women in the fishing industry on the East Coast. My passion for the working waterfront has allowed me to grow a successful business, providing lobstermen with an alternate income source by saving bycatch they would have otherwise thrown back. It has also allowed me to prove that women too, can play an important role in this industry. 

Every day I work in this industry I am humbled by what there still is to learn. I am fortunate enough to establish relationships with the hardworking lobstermen who keep this industry alive, and keep Southern Maine Crabs open- without them, Southern Maine Crabs wouldn’t exist.

Sincerely, 

Jillian Robillard