NOANK, Conn. -- With the price of lobsters below $6 per pound, lobster fisherman Mike Theiler said it’s been tough this year trying to make ends meet.

“You know the trickle down effect,” he said. “The economy is a little slow right now.”

Operating costs have gone up in the past year, he said. Fuel costs are up 40 percent, he said, and bait costs are up 30 percent.

Jerry Mears, the owner of Abbott’s, of Noank, Conn., said the business’ prices haven’t changed, and the higher fuel prices don't seem to be affecting its summertime crowds.

“Two weekends ago, we had an all-time record day,” said Mears.

As Labor Day approaches, Theiler said he fears he hasn’t seen the end of dropping prices.

“I'm afraid once Labor Day hits, that's when I'm really concerned about a drop in price,” he said.