PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A group of U.S. senators from New England say the lobster's role in the region's heritage and economy are important enough to justify a national day of celebration.

The senators are introducing a resolution to designate Sept. 25, 2015, as National Lobster Day. Maine's Angus King and Susan Collins say the crustacean deserves the honor because thousands of families rely on the multimillion dollar American lobster industry to make a living.

Collins and King say the lobster day will also note the American lobster's "growing popularity as a global delicacy."

King is an independent and Collins a Republican. The group of senators also includes New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, New Hampshire Republican Kelly Ayotte, Rhode Island Democrats Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Connecticut Democrat Chris Murphy.