An updated forecast points to an even stronger likelihood that Maine’s lobster season is going to get off to a very early start.

The forecast from the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, updated Thursday, said there’s a 47 percent chance of an “extremely early start,” defined as beginning as early as June 12. The lobstering season typically kicks into high gear after July 4.

A “very early start,” defined as beginning around June 19, has a likelihood of 50 percent, the institute said, and an “early start” of around June 26 has a likelihood of 3 percent. The institute said there’s virtually no chance of a normal or late start to the season for Maine’s most valuable fishery.

The initial projections for the season, released last week, said there was a 55 percent chance of an “extremely early start;” a 41 percent chance of a “very early start;” and a 4 percent chance of an “early start.” The forecast will be updated weekly until late April.

Read the full story at Portland Press Herald >>

Read more about Maine lobster >>