Can lobster fishermen harvest female lobsters?

In general, it is illegal to harvest female lobsters in many jurisdictions to protect breeding populations and ensure sustainable lobster fisheries. For instance, in the state of Maine (USA), which has a significant lobster industry, it is prohibited to catch and land egg-bearing female lobsters or "berried" lobsters with external eggs attached to their abdominal appendages. These restrictions may vary among different regions and fisheries regulations, but the principle objective of protecting female lobsters during their reproductive period remains vital for the conservation of lobster populations.