F By Melissa Waterman effort information. Harvesters areran- Harvesters information. effort triplevel catch toreport and lobstermen alllicensed that requires10percentof years. DMRpassedaregulationin2007 upward duringthepastfour turn sharp cate thatoffshorelandingshave taken a MarineResources (DMR)indi- ment of to twelve milesfromshore. lobsters areinfederalwaters, fromthree those sters onthebottom.Andmanyof lob- thattherearealotof lobstermen 2011 isstillunclearbutit’s obvious to than the104millionpoundslandedin thefi Whether ner yearforlobsterlandingsinMaine. ORION Maine Lobstermen’s Association Data compiledby theMaineDepart- the coast,itwillbeanotherban- rom storiesheardatwharfsalong 21 Western Ave. #1 U.S. Postage Paid

Kennebunk, ME Brunswick, ME 04011 Off shore landingsincrease 04043 PRST STD Permit No. 65 nal tallywillbegreater TASTE THE ORION DIFFERENCE! Better Informed, Better Decisions LOBSTERMEN’S M and effort information. and effort triplevel catch reporting lobstermen and NewYork allhave 100percentof sachusetts, RhodeIsland,Connecticut salt.” NewHampshire, Mas- of “a grain that anyconclusionsmust betaken with data,Wilsoncautions just fouryearsof ASMFC, itshouldbe30percent.” With Wilson explained.“According tothe Marine FisheriesCommissionwanted,” is smallerthanwhattheAtlanticStates coming from. where thelobsterslandedinMaineare 2008 to2011understandmoreabout tist, have from compileddatagathered and HeidiBray, marineresourcescien- type. CarlWilson,statelobsterbiologist, domly selectedbasedonzoneandlicense To Wilson,thefactthatmoreMaine “Actually, atenpercentsamplesize in 2003, as a student from Southern in 2003,asastudentfromSouthern reach withlobstermen. andconductingout- in lobstergear whaleentanglements help mitigate collecting fi person fortheMLAresponsible Since thenshehasbeenthekey staff Woods HoleSeaGrantprograms. Reduction andlater, theMaineand forWildlifeBycatch the Consortium ary, from 2010,withfundingsupport ProjectsCoordinator.Whale Maine Lobstermen’s Association Maineasthe ing alongthecoastof many alonghourinhercartravel- Heather Tetreault, 32,hasspent T By Melissa Waterman Coordinator Farewell toHeather, MLA Whale Projects ae5 ae8 page8 page 5 New Recruit Heather fi herpositioninJanu-She began INSIDE ot oasafmember. month toastaff he MLAbidsfarewell this Continued onpage19 datato shing industry rst cametotheMLA AINE confl the potentialforincreasedgear ing stocks, marinemammalsand habitat,spawn- for protectionof theareas of citing theimportance abouttheseopenings,concerns and stakeholders have expressed thisapproach, otherfi of groundfi nextMay.industry many While catch limitsfacingthegroundfi sure forthedraconiancutsin mea- closed areasasamitigation options toreopenthegroundfi Councilisconsidering agement W DMR By Meredith Mendelson, questions, possibilities Re-opening closedareas raises icts. Proud SponsoroftheMLA! New England Fishery Man- New EnglandFishery ord spreadfastthatthe aresupportive shermen ture centerontropicalfi worked attheuniversity’s aquacul- raphy andmarinegeology. Shealso double major, inphysical oceanog- UMO inmarinescienceswitha Orono,” Heatherrecalled. Maineat totheUniversity of off mer. Itwas aperfectseguetogoing contract [oneMoltdata]thatsum- trice soIworked onathreemonth traps. “JimrecommendedmetoPa- salinity recordingprobestolobster attaching temperatureand program, laborating onthefl director Patrice were col- McCarron Jim ManningandMLAexecutive Maine. of intheGulf stand currents ing oceandrifterstobetterunder- with ProfessorJimManningbuild- Portland. shehadworked There inSouth Maine Community College e rcso nRcln Marketing proposal explained New ProcessorinRockland Heather completedherB.S. at ASSOCIATION shermen shermen egig eMolt edgling sh sh shbreeding page 20 page 20 fun timeinmy life.” Heather explained.“Itwas areally toexplorethemthere,”ests andgot inter- and cultivation. “Ihadalotof Maine toidentifyanddescribetheways lobster Heather worked with lobstermen throughout throughout Heather worked withlobstermen www.orionseafood.com (603) 433-2220 Portsmouth, NH03801 20 LaddSt, Third Floor Orion SeafoodInternational November 2012 Vol 2012 No11November 20, gear was confi andset. gured Continued onpage11 Continued onpage11 Photo byHannaWheeler. 2 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION November 2012

Maine Lobstermen’s Association Steaming Ahead Advocating for responsible re- n October, I had the pleasure of representing Maine lobster Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property sources management Iat a conference which included product groups such as the Rights (TRIPS). Geographical Indications are best known in the and prosperity for Idaho Potato Commission, Napa Valley Vitners, the Champagne European Union (EU) which has a history of local, specialized Maine’sM commercial Bureau, Missouri Grown Pecan Growers, Ginseng Board of agriculture closely linked to products known for their place of lobstermen. Wisconsin and others. origin, such as Roquefort cheese, Cognac or Champagne. SinceS 1954 The conference was organized by a new group known as The U.S. does not recognize GI’s and instead stands by its the American Origin Products Association (AOPA). This group trademark system. The primary difference is that the responsi- hopes to build a united voice for producers of geographically- bility and expense of protecting abuses of trademarks lies with based products and create a national system to recognize and their owners, whereas GI’s are protected by government. In the Board of Directors protect these products. The MLA has become a founding mem- case of Certifi ed Maine Lobster, the Maine Lobster Promotion ber. Council would be responsible for taking offenders to court, ••• I can’t tell you how many calls I have gotten over the years which would be extremely expensive. : David Cousens President from lobstermen and others who have been frustrated by the The EU and many other countries around the world fi ercely So. Th omaston, 207.594.7518 false advertising of Maine lobster. In some cases it has been a protect their GI’s because they understand that consumers are : Jim Dow 1st VP tank with oversized lobsters or tiny lobster tails being served willing to pay more for these premium products, which translates Bass Harbor, 207.288.9846 as “Maine lobster,” neither of which can be legally harvested into economic development, usually in rural areas. They under- : Brian McLain 2nd VP in Maine. Some diners have been served “Maine lobster” and stand that allowing companies to pass off generic products un- New Harbor, 207.677.3377 : Arnold Gamage, Jr. noticed those lobsters sporting “Canadian wild-caught” or “Mas- der a GI name equates to stealing intellectual property, mislead- Sec/Treasurer sachusetts whale-safe” claw bands. ing customers and diluting the value of the product. The EU So. Bristol, 207.644.8110 Maine lobster should only refer to lobster harvested in Maine Web site states “[protection of GI’s] requires intense and costly – so why is that so diffi cult? Like many brands with a strong per- legal efforts that small rural communities can rarely afford. This Bob Baines, Spruce Head, 596.0177 ceived value, others want to copy us. Substituting a knock-off as is why GIs need an enhanced protection.” Shane Carter, Bar Harbor, 288.0236 the real thing unfortunately has become commonplace. And this Napa Valley wines has eliminated problems of impostor Dwight Carver, Beals, 497.2895 practice dilutes the brand and erodes its premium value. wines bearing its label in Europe by being recognized as a GI Gerry Cushman, Port Clyde, 372.6429 It takes a lot to build and protect a brand. When I started by the European Union, the fi rst U.S. producer group to do so. Jim Henderson, Camp Ellis, 468.4363 with MLA back in 2000, the term “Maine lobster” was still con- Interestingly, the GI program manager for the EU told me how Robert Ingalls, Bucks Harbor, 255.3418 sidered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) an accept- much he loved Maine lobster and wondered why we weren’t Mark Jones, Boothbay, 633.6054 able name for any lobster from the species Homarus americanus working to protect our brand in the EU. Jason Joyce, Swan’s Island, 526.4109 whether it was harvested in New Jersey, Canada or Maine. Due Through the AOPA conference, I learned that other pro- Jack Merrill, Islesford, 244.4187 to efforts of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council, this is no ducer groups are way ahead of us. The Idaho Potato Commis- Tad Miller, Matinicus, 372.6941 longer the case. Unfortunately, many businesses still advertise sion has rules in place requiring all Idaho-grown potatoes to be Mike Myrick, Cushing, 354.6077 “Maine lobster” when they sell lobster from other areas. The labeled with certifi cation marks indicating that they were grown Brad Parady, Kittery, 337.3141 FDA, citing food safety as its primary concern, does not dedicate in Idaho. Napa Valley wine producers have strict labeling require- Kristan Porter, Cutler, 259.3306 any resources to enforcement. ments for those who use the Napa Valley brand. Both of these Lawrence R. Pye, Small Point, 389.9131 In April of 2007, the Maine Lobster Promotion Council did brands invest signifi cantly in quality standards and brand protec- Willis Spear, Yarmouth, 846.9279 take steps to protect the Maine lobster name by registering “Cer- tion. And it pays. Napa Valley wine accounts for only four per- Jay Smith, Nobleboro, 563.5208 tifi ed Maine Lobster” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Offi ce cent of California’s wine production, but 30 percent of the value. Craig Stewart, Long Island, 846.3158 and obtaining a certifi cation mark for Maine lobster. Certifi ed Maine lobster is unique and has a rich cultural heritage and Elliott Th omas, Yarmouth, 846.6201 Maine Lobster was created so that customers would know if stewardship. Though we harvest the same species as our neigh- John Williams, Stonington, 367.2731 their lobster came from Maine by looking for the Certifi ed Maine bors to the north and south, our lobster is well-known for its Lobster tags or labels. The program only allows the certifi cation distinct taste and texture. While we share a lobster management Donald Young, Cushing, 354.6404 mark to be used on lobster harvested in Maine and marketed plan with other U.S. lobster-producing states, Maine is the only Jack Young, Vinalhaven, 863.4905 by Maine-based dealers or processors. While the program was state that does not allow lobsters to be caught with trawl gear, launched with a lot of press and hype, there was no real outreach and we are the only region that enforces our state regulations in Staff and it was never embraced by Maine’s lobster industry. Though federal waters. Maine lobster is indeed a unique, premium prod- ••• Executive Director the certifi cation mark remains in place, it has not been imple- uct. Patrice McCarron mented in any meaningful way. If we want Maine lobster to be sold as a premium brand rath- 207.967.4555 We are left with a situation where we have a widely recognized er than being traded as a commodity, we must insist on establish- [email protected] brand name, “Maine lobster,” but we’re doing nothing to ensure ing programs and protections which support that goal. This will Industry Communications that customers are able to distinguish it from other lobster. We require a commitment to quality from harvesters, a commitment Coordinator have no means to protect our brand from those who want to use to the Maine brand from dealers and processors, and a com- Melissa Waterman it on their impostor lobsters. So our very valuable brand is avail- mitment from the industry to establish a marketing organization 207.691.2330 [email protected] able to anyone who wants it, thus undermining its value to the with a budget capable of executing a premium brand strategy. It lobstermen who bring in the lobsters. Ultimately, it is up to the will require us to work with our state and federal government to Education Coordinator producers to protect it. put protections in place to support the Maine lobster brand and Annie Tselikis The American Origins Product Association offers a way for- prevent lobster harvested outside of Maine from being labeled [email protected] ward. The conference was focused “geographical indications” or as “Maine lobster.” “GI’s,” which are a type of intellectual property. GI’s identify Education Assistant April Gilmore products which originate in a region where a given quality, repu- [email protected] tation or other product characteristic is essentially attributable to As always, stay safe on the water. its geography. GI’s encourage quality production and often pro- Communications Assistant Sarah Paquette mote the development of tourism. This term came into wide use [email protected] in 1995 as the result of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

Th e MLA newsletter is published monthly. It is provided for free to all Maine lobstermen Individual Membership Levels: MLA MEMBERSHIP FORM thanks to the support of newsletter sponsors. Highliner $225 Mail with payment to: MLA, 21 Western Ave. #1, Kennebunk, ME 04043 Th is month’s sponsor is Orion Seafood. Harvester $125 Please Print: Harvester Family $200 Name: ______Junior/Senior Harvester $65 Maine Lobstermen’s Association Friend of the MLA $50 Business Name: ______21 Western Ave., #1 Address: ______Business Members Levels: Kennebunk, ME 04043 Select $500 City/State/Zip: [email protected] Keeper $175 Phone: ______Cell: ______YES! We will offer a discount to Email: ______www.mainelobstermen.org MLA Members! (Please include to receive weekly e-news updates and lobster, bait & fuel prices) Our newsletter is available online! Additional Contributions: Boat Name: ______Donation $ Lobster License #: ______Zone & Dist______MLA Legal Defense Fund $ 207-967-4555 [email protected] Separate check payable to MLA Legal Defense Fund WWW.MAINELOBSTERMEN.ORG November 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 3 Lobster Council of Canada moves forward on marketing

By Clayton Hunt product they are paying for who there- be very important for the approximately “We need to get a quality product into First published in The Coaster, Newfound- fore pay lower prices. It’s also meant to 950 harvesters in Atlantic Canada and the European and Far Eastern markets. land, October 25. Reprinted with permission. reward good quality and to provide the Quebec and everyone else involved in This industry needs more structure to entire industry with a consistent stan- the industry. He said, “This is a big step do that in a large way. We need to devel- Following years of studying and just dard system.” forward as we are actually agreeing that op our own brand for Atlantic Canadian talking about issues facing the huge but Delegates at the Cheticamp meetings these are a couple of things we can sink lobster and put in some type of program fragmented Canadian lobster industry, were also unanimous in their support of our teeth into. These are long-term solu- to address the quality of our product. In representatives took a giant leap forward the establishment of a Canadian lobster tions to this industry that has no short- Newfoundland, we fi sh lobster before for their fi shery recently as they agreed brand. The brand would be supported term fi xes. We will be holding meetings the molting season which occurs in July. to start work on two important initia- by a strong industry structure based on with harvesters and we will be pushing However, harvesters fi sh lobster during tives. The agreement was reached during brand pillars such as sustainability, pris- this message out through the media. the molting season in some parts of At- meetings held in early October in Cheti- tine environment and quality that could lantic Canada and this leads to an infe- camp, Nova Scotia when the Lobster be promoted and supported by the lob- “Th e lobster sheryfi is rior product. If we’re going to get into Council of Canada (LCC), in conjunc- ster sector. Irvine said that the branding probably the last fi shery newer markets, we will need the quality tion with industry leaders from the four of Canadian lobster would be extremely product that consumers are demanding Atlantic Provinces and Quebec, agreed important for the industry’s European in Canada to have any today.” to begin work on establishing a quality and Far Eastern markets. sort of verifi able quality Skinner said that even though New- standard system and a branding program “People say that Canadian lobster is foundland harvesters are a part of the for Canadian lobster. fantastic, so this is all about building on standards.” Lobster Council of Canada, there’s no Geoff Irvine, the Executive Direc- that foundation and setting up quality reason why harvesters can’t promote tor of the LCC, said that some exciting standards so that when our shippers and This will need a big commitment from their own product and their own brand- changes are coming for the lobster in- processors are out there selling our lob- all stakeholders to be successful but it’s ing. “For us in Newfoundland our goal dustry. Irvine said, “After two to three sters they can feel good about what’s in important for everyone as a Canadian in moving forward is to fi nd a way to years of talking and working together, the box,” Irvine said. “This is also about lobster sector that is branded and qual- market our own product caught in the lobster representatives have reached a competing with other brands such as ity based will lead to better pricing.” The pristine waters of this province. We can consensus on modernizing the industry Maine lobster for the sell of a protein- Lobster Council will also work closely still be a part of the LCC but move our by establishing a quality standard sys- rich product. We really need to formalize with Federal and Provincial govern- product forward with some of our own tem and a branding program. The lob- a branding program for our product and ments to align government policy with initiatives. We’ll be trying to move this ster fi shery is probably the last fi shery to get the industry to realize that this is lobster industry priorities. idea forward with our own co-op started in Canada to have any sort of verifi able an important step moving forward. We Mildred Skinner, an offi cial with the last season. There’s lot of work to do, quality standards, so we expect to catch haven’t been consistent in doing this in FFAW/CAW in Newfoundland, said but some of the process was started up with the other fi sheries in this key that past and this is something we need that there are many people connected last year. There’s a lot of buyers, ship- area. The lack of quality standards in to improve on.” with the Atlantic and Quebec lobster pers and good processors who are trying the lobster industry results in consumers Irvine said that he is very encouraged fi shery that are trying to improve the in- to move this industry into the future,” who are uncertain of the quality of the by the Cheticamp agreement as it will dustry for all stakeholders. Skinner said, Skinner said. 4 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION November 2012 Downeast fi shing family hits hard times, fi nds good fortune

By Sharon Kiley Mack ferent than those of many other lobstermen. First published in the Bangor Daily News, October 5. Reprinted with permission “We spent our money — hard earned, but still overspent — and when the economy col- ake a little side trip off U.S. Route 1 to the peninsula of Roque Bluffs and you lapsed, so did we. We were left with a huge Tare in lobster fi shermen territory. It’s unusual for a yard not to have a boat in house payment, a bigger boat payment, and all it. It’s odd to not see lobster traps piled beside a driveway or colorful buoys hang- the bells and whistles, but the industry had fall- ing from the mailbox. A closer look, however, reveals that some of the houses are en, and we were left fi ghting for what we had faded and worn, sometimes the boats look a bit abandoned, and many of the pickup worked so hard to get.” By the spring, the cou- trucks have seen better days. ple had become desperate. They were forced Everywhere are signs that there were high times once in this fi shing village, times to dock their boat because they couldn’t afford when lobsters were plentiful and the price was great — times before the nation’s the fuel. They borrowed from family and sold economic crash. No one knows that better than Nadine and Chad Preston — a fi sh- everything they owned. “The only possession ing family that had it all, lost it all, and found a way back. we had at the end of it was my wedding ring,” Nadine Preston markets her husbands’ lob- Less than two years ago, things were as bad as they could get, said Nadine, 35. Nadine said. sters from their home in Roque Bluffs. Sharon Kiley Mack photo. The couple’s house was in foreclosure and their lobster boat was about to be repos- Today — fi ve months later — the house is sessed. Nadine had been the sternman on the boat and had been placed on bed rest safe, the $15,000 boat payment was made and in the 16th week of a life-threatening pregnancy. The price of lobsters crashed. The the premature baby is an active toddler, chasing chickens and helping her mother in day she brought her premature baby home from a Bangor hospital, the house ran Mother Shuckers Clam Shack — the fresh seafood business Nadine created out of out of oil. her frustration to fi nd a way to get out of debt. Chad, 38, goes to sea each day at 4 “We were the perfect example of fi shermen that had bit off more than we could a.m. and brings his catch to Nadine. Then she sells it from the garage. chew,” Preston said recently. “We thought ‘How could the lobster industry fail? Ev- Mother Shuckers was founded on a cold day last spring after Chad had gone eryone loves lobster.’ But across the country, people were not buying $25 lobster clamming for six hours and been paid only $26 by a dealer. Something clicked in tails. They were trying to save their houses, too.” In 2006, lobster prices had hit an Nadine that day — call it desperation, pride or just plain stubbornness — but she all time high of $10 per pound, and in 2007 they hovered around $4.50, according to got angry, she said, and that anger propelled her into action. Nadine grabbed a piece the Maine Department of fi berglass board — actually the cutout window from an old boat hull — and she of Marine Resources. painted “Fresh Clams” on one side. She hung it from her mailbox by the road. But prices this summer “We just couldn’t keep on doing business the way it had always been done,” she at the dock fell to as said. “We eliminated the middleman.” That fi rst day, she sold Chad’s entire harvest. low as $1.25 a pound That fi rst month, she sold enough clams to get the lobster boat back in the water, in some areas, roughly 70 percent below nor- mal and a nearly 30- year low, according to Don’t come and buy my lobster because you feel sorry fi shermen. for me, but if you are going to buy a lobster anyway, Nadine said that her family was no dif- why not buy it right from the fi sherman?

and then she added “Fresh Lobsters” to the sign on the mailbox. The Prestons were able to make a small profi t by selling their lobsters at $2.99 a pound this summer, more than a dollar above what Chad would have been paid by a dealer. “We were able to sell lobsters and clams, caught that same day, directly to the customer, at a re- ally low price. People told their friends and their friends told their friends and people began to come. I found a hole in the system and it saved us.” As long as they sell only what they catch and don’t process or cook it, the Prestons can sell live lobsters under Chad’s commercial fi shing license. Chad is shy and private, but he knows lobstering — he has been doing it since he was 14 years old. He provides the sweat equity for Mother Shuckers. Nadine — who is part Martha Stewart, part Carol Burnett and a whole lot of Lucille Ball — pro- vides the personality, or “mouth,” as she says. She is loud and bubbly and, each day, greets her customers by name. She asks about their children, inquires about their families. She gives cooking advice. She provides recipes for her grandmother’s lob- ster stew. And all this summer, those customers kept coming back, she said. Almost 700 people have “liked” Mother Shuckers’ Facebook page — one of her primary advertising methods. “I’m right in their home with Facebook,” she said. She created “Lobster Fridays,” offering special prices for the weekend and tell- ing customers, “Buy your butter on Monday because come Friday, it’s lobster.” The lobsters began fl ying out the door. Some days 100 pounds or more. “We only sell what we catch that day,” she said. Chad brings in hundreds of pounds, however, and all his surplus catch is sold to local dealers. “We decided to take our lives back into our own hands, and be responsible for our own income,” she said. Today she still worries about fi nances, but she also is quick to tally up the gains made. “We saved our home. We saved our boat. The baby’s health is no longer threatened. Next year we’ll try harder. And the next year and the next year.” As the thermometer begins to drop, the lobster season winds down. Mother Shuckers now only sells preordered lobster and Nadine said Chad will pull the boat out of the water on Nov. 1. On a cool morning this week, the phone rang fi ve times in fi fteen minutes with orders for lobsters. “I have to tell you, I really like the person I am today much better than the person that once had it all,” she said. “I learned that if you tell people you are hurting and you are honest, they’ll support you. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want pity. Don’t come and buy my lobster because you feel sorry for me, but if you are going to buy a lobster anyway, why not buy it right from the fi sherman? Why not support a local family right in your community? When I look ahead, I see my future — one I didn’t think I’d have. By taking control of our lives, we established respect in the community, faithfulness from the community and trust by the community. We’re making it.” November 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 5 New Recruit Starting out with an old boat, high hopes by Melissa Waterman Despite the low price for lobster this year, Matt said his season has been good. “The fi rst shed in July and August was awesome. But then Spruce Head hasn’t got- n a windy October afternoon Matt Snow, 20, is hunched beneath the stern of ten much of a second shed in September for a few years,” Matt noted. “The catch Ohis boat, Day Star, in the parking lot of Journey’s End Marina in Rockland with levels off but then the price is a little better now.” He sells his catch to the Mazetta his father, Stephen, Art Stanley, and Gino Corporation (formerly Atwood’s Lobster) on Spruce Head Island. Scalzo. The seal on the rear gasket of the 40- Like many other lobstermen, Matt has complaints about the sinking groundline foot wooden boat has blown and the men that lobstermen must use outside the exemption line. “On hard bottom it catches are hurrying to get the rudder reset and the on rocks. It will cinch right up, maybe frig the rope up a little or snap on you. I must vessel in working order before the end of have gotten hung up fi fteen or twenty times this year,” he said. “It frustrates me.” the day. Matt had returned home to Spruce Lobstering in Zone D, in an area shared by many lobstermen, means all sorts of Head Island in the wee hours of the morn- frustration, Matt has learned. Lobstermen setting on each other, hauling up a tangle ing after attending a Patriots football game of traps and then cutting lines to get free is a constant problem. “You haul your trap, in Foxboro with friends. After a few hours the line has been cut and tied all ugly and you really want to get pissed at someone,” sleep he and his father had brought the ailing Matt said, shaking his head. “But you can’t boat around to Rockland for repair. The late single someone out because you never re- Matt Snow takes a closer look at the rudder on ally know.” night and early morning don’t show in Matt’s Day Star. Photo by Melissa Waterman. cheerful face, pink in the cold air. The men settle the rudder into place “I’m the fi fth generation of lobstermen in my family,” Matt explained. His father and tighten the bolts. The sun slips a little lobstered far offshore when Matt was a boy, venturing 150 miles or more into the to the west and shadows begin to stretch Gulf of Maine. Eventually he got out of offshore lobstering and concentrated on over the boat. “I think four to fi ve years the inshore area of Spruce Head. Matt worked as his father’s sternman for three from now I might get a bigger boat, I don’t summers as a high school student. He then spent the summer after graduating high know,” Matt said as he started walking back school washing dishes in a local restaurant and quickly concluded that lobstering was to the Day Star. Matt’s mother, Maria Snow, a better option. died unexpectedly in September, 2011. She “I enjoy it,” Matt said matter-of-factly, “I’m my own boss and it’s good money.” had received a draft horse, Sophie, as a gift He’s been lobstering on his own for just two years now, hauling traps aboard the from a close friend, built a barn for Sophie Day Star and keeping up with the forty-year-old vessel’s repairs. He’s come to realize on land in South Thomaston, and then be- that being one’s own boss, rather than someone else’s sternman, makes fi shing a bit gan boarding other horses, some of whom more serious. “Well, it’s harder because you are always thinking about tangles, con- were rescued animals. One of Matt’s older troversies with other lobstermen, how much bait do you need. And then there’s the brothers has a home overlooking the fi elds. tide. The tide is a continuous problem. There are some deep trenches around here “My mother had some land where she kept and the tide runs hard down there.” her horse. I’d like to build a house there,” Matt and his forty-year-old wooden boat. Photo by he said quietly. Melissa Waterman.

BROAD COVERAGE t COMPETITIVE RATES AND BROAD COVERAGE t COMPETITIVECOMPETITIVE RATESRATES AANDND BBROADROAD CCOVERAGEOVERAGE t COMPETITIVECOMPETITIVE RATESRATES ANDAND BROADBROAD COVERAGECOVERAGE t COMPETITIVE RATES AND BROAD COVERAGE C O M P E T I T

Smithwick & Mariners I V E R A E T P Insurance Agency E S M O A COMPETITIVE RATES AND COMPETITIVE RATES C WeWe are a full-service independentindependent insuraninsurancece N D

t t B R

E agencyagency providingproviding personal, commercial,commercial, O G A A

business & marine insurance. D R E C V O O V C E R D A A G O E R B t t COMPETITIVE RATES AND BROAD COVERAGE t D C N t VERYRY COMPETITIVE LOBSTER BOATBOAT PROGRAMS O A M

S P E E T

A t
t
8JEF
3BOHF
PG
1BDLBHF
0QUJPOT8JE 3 G 1 L 0 UJ R

E V I T I

T t
t
/FX
7FTTFM
0MEFS
7FTTFM
*ODMVEJOH
8PPE

E P

M Construction - we can obtain coverage for O C COMPETITIVE RATES AND BROAD COVERAGE AND BROAD COVERAGE COMPETITIVE RATES any well maintained boat t t E G A

R We specialize in Lobster Boats, Draggers, Scallopers, E V

O GiGillnetters,l Boat Builders, Marinas and more. C D

A O R

B LOCALLOCAL KNKNOWLEDGEOWLEDGE - DEDICATEDD TO SERVICE COMPETITIVE RATES AND D N A S

E 
64
3PVUF


'BMNPVUI
.&


5FM

t
5FM
64
3PVUF


'BMNPVUI
.&


5FM
 

t
'BY

T A R

E 
/PSUI
8BUFS
4USFFU
/FX
#FEGPSE
."


5FM

/PSUI
8BUFS
4USFFU
/FX
#FEGPSE
."


5FM 
t
5FM

t
'BY
 V I T I

T With aaffiliatedffiliated officesoffices in Damariscotta,Dam Bath, and Kennebunk E P

M www.smithwick-ins.comwww.smithw O

C

COMPETITIVE RATES AND BROAD COVERAGE AND BROAD COVERAGE COMPETITIVE RATES t t t t COMPETITIVE RATES AND BROAD COVERAGE E G A R E V O C COVERAGE D A O R B BROAD D N A AND S E T A A A R RATES E V I T I T E P M O C COMPETITIVE E G A R E V O COVERAGE C D A O R BROAD B D N A AND S E T A A A RATES R COMPETITIVE COVERAGE BROAD AND RATES COMPETITIVE t COVERAGE BROAD 6 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION November 2012 Lobsterman as Artist: Richy Carlsen of Vinalhaven

By Melissa Waterman Each summer Carlsen organizes a concert to honor a friend, Jeff Polman, who died of a heart attack at age 32. Money raised from the concert goes to musical in- obstering is hard work. Ask anyone this time of year and they will mention the struments at the high school and scholarships. “We get a couple of bands together Lcold, the long hours, the aching muscles and cramped hands. So it’s not surpris- each summer. This year the Tough Cats came out. It’s amazing to see all these differ- ing that when many lobstermen fi nally get the catch offl oaded and the boat secure ent people playing together,” Carlsen said. He plays for dances and other events in a on the mooring they head home, put their feet up and watch a little television before group of other musicians from the island. The group was known for some time as hitting the sack. “Richy’s band” until Richy’s former band mate, Eric Beckman, came up with a name Not Richy Carlsen. The Vinalhaven lobsterman, 48, likes his rest, sure, but he they liked. “We’re called the Six Foot Swells,” Carlsen said. also likes his music. When he comes home he’s more likely to pick up his guitar or Carlsen, who has a son in high school, has coached high school soccer for 28 sit down at the keyboard than to turn on the T.V. “Music relaxes me most of all,” years. That, lobstering, and playing music keep him busy throughout the year. He he said simply. would like to see a small recording studio set up at the high school with a space Carlsen comes from a musical family. His mother and brother both played the for students to write songs, and has raised a little money toward that end. In fact, trumpet. His uncle played the banjo while his father and grandfather played the ac- Carlsen would like to record a CD himself some day. “I keep saying that I am going cordion. Carlsen recalled the older men gathering with other people on the island to do that but then, you know, I go paint buoys or something,” he laughed. each week to play tunes; Carlsen has reel-to-reel recordings made of those sessions. He too started out on the trumpet. “I did it for nine years but it just wasn’t my thing,” he said. It turned out that the guitar was his thing. “I bought my fi rst guitar for seven dollars at LeVerdiere’s drugstore,” he recalled. “Then at age ten I got an electric guitar and amps. And then bigger amps and so forth.” When he was 18, Carlsen joined a Vinalhaven band headed by Eric Beckman and began playing around the island. “We didn’t have a name. It was just ‘Eric and those guys’,” he said with a laugh. Carlsen started lobstering when he was 10 years old. He took off a few years to go to college but, as he put it, “college wasn’t my thing.” Today he fi shes from his 32-foot boat, the Valhalla. “When you are fi shing all day you are always thinking, about whether you should move these traps, what you are using for bait, all that stuff,” he said. “That’s why I like playing music. When you pick up the guitar, you think only about playing the guitar.” Like his father, uncle and grandfather, Carlsen now plays and sings with various groups both on and off Vinalhaven. He plays rock and roll, disco, funk, just about everything except country music. His appreciation for music has changed over the years. “When I was younger I made music just loud with distortion. Now I like to hear all the instruments, all the individual parts,” he said. Where before his musical taste favored Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin, Carlsen now is interested in the jazz styles of Steely Dan and the Dave Matthews Band, “music that is really hard to For Vinalhaven lobsterman Richy Carlsen, relaxation at the end of a day comes from playing music for play,” he said. himself and others. Melissa Waterman photo. November 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 7 Maine ranks high for landed Dropping Springs Bait Co. value of seafood 6A Portland Fish Pier From the NOAA report, FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES, 2011 Portland, Maine aine once again was one of the top states in the country for commercial Mseafood landings in 2011, according to the annual report released by the Fresh and Salted Bait National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in September. Only two coastal states reported greater landings than Maine: Alaska and Massachu- Retail and Wholesale setts. Each state has its own signature species, landings of which comprise the bulk Public welcome of landed value. Alaska, for example, owes much of its $1.9 billion landed value to its enormous pollock fi shery. In Massachusetts scallops were the most valuable Open 5 a.m. - 10 a.m. species landed in that state’s $570 million landings. And in Maine, lobster com- By Land or Sea prised $334 million of the state’s $426 million total landed value. 207-272-6278 New Bedford led the nation as the top port based on the value of seafood landed, with a total catch worth $369 million. Stonington was Maine’s top-ranked port for seafood landings value and 21st nationally. Stonington fi shermen brought in $48 million worth of seafood, primarily lobster. Rockland came in 46th in the nation for value due to its signifi cant lobster landings. According to the NOAA report, 126.3 million pounds of Homarus americanus were caught nationwide in 2011, all of it on the East Coast. In Maine alone, 104 million pounds of lobster were brought ashore. The nationwide landings for com- mercial fi shermen added up to 10.1 billion pounds of fi sh and shellfi sh in 2011, the highest total of the past 17 years, according to the NOAA landings report. Consumers appeared to be moderating their consumption of seafood in 2011. Americans ate an average 15 pounds of fi sh and shellfi sh in 2011, down 0.8 pounds from 2010. Still, we remain a seafood hungry country, devouring more than 4.7 billion pounds last year, second only to China for annual seafood consumption.

Top U.S. ports in 2011, by volume and value

Port Quantity 2010 2011 millions of pounds 1. Dutch Harbor, AK 515 706 2. Empire-Venice, LA 354 532 3. Akutan, AK 302 431 4. Reedville, VA 26 414 5. Kodiak, AK 325 372 Come Celebrate 6. Intracoastal City, LA 335 327 7. Pascagoula-Moss Point, MS 105 267 The MLA’s 8. Cameron, LA 205 227 9. Los Angeles, CA 187 157 50th Anniversary 10. Astoria, OR 101 144 11. Port Hueneme, CA 131 128 January 25th-27th, 2013 12. New Bedford, MA 133 117 13. Westport, WA 101 116 14. Sitka, AK 75 113 15. Petersburg, AK 50 101 The Sea Crest Beach Hotel 16. Ketchikan, AK 76 100 350 Quaker Road 17. Naknek-King Salmon, AK 124 99 A Full Slate of Activities 18. Newport, OR 57 79 North Falmouth, MA 02556 For the Whole Family 19. Gloucester, MA 89 77 Www.seacrestbeachhotel.com 20. Cordova, AK 148 68 i A super exhibition of the latest goods 21. Portland, ME 38 61 and services that are important to the lobster/ fishing industry. Port Value 2010 2011 i 50 plus vendors millions of dollars NEED A RESERVATION FORM? 1. New Bedford, MA 306 369 i There will be informative seminars on Friday and Saturday Complete room information and vendor booth 2. Dutch Harbor AK 163 207 information are available. 3. Kodiak, AK 128 168 i Hospitality Suite Www.lobstermen.com 4. Akutan, AK 84 114 i Bingo 5. Cape May-Wildwood, NJ 81 103 Or call Beth 781-545-6984 6. Empire-Venice, LA 59 99 i Craft (Saturday am) 7. Hampton Roads Area, VA 75 88 i Cooking Demonstration 8. Naknek-King Salmon, AK 101 86 i Comedian -Justin McKinney (Friday 9. Sitka, AK 62 85 evening) 10. Honolulu, HI 72 83 ***FREE ADMISSION *** 11. Seward, AK 69 79 i Casino Night—(Friday Evening) 12. Cordova, AK 84 67 i Cocktail reception (Saturday Evening) The show is open to the Public 13. Petersburg, AK 36 65 i Banquet and Awards Ceremony 14. Dulac-Chauvin, LA 45 63 (Saturday evening) 15. Ketchikan, AK 41 62 i Live Auction (Saturday evening) January 25—27th 2013 16. Westport, WA 39 61 17. Gloucester, MA 57 61 i Silent Auction-(Saturday afternoon) Exhibit Hall hours are: 18. Brownsville-Port Isabel, TX 53 58 i There is a Children's activity room Fri/ Fri. 9:00am-5:00pm 19. Port Arthur, TX 47 57 Sat night. Sat. 9:00am-5:00pm 20. Key West, FL 50 56 Sun. 8:00am-10:00am 21. Stonington, ME 45 48 i There will be many raffles with cash prizes, free Drawings and much more! 8 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION November 2012 New Brunswick businessman fi nds Rockland a good fit

By Melissa Waterman ster in three indoor tanks. The lobsters will be graded, then shipped either to here’s a new face in the lobster processing arena in Maine. Frank Benoit, a New live market customers or to Benoit’s TBrunswick businessman and proprietor of Les Pecheries de Chez-Nous, a lob- processing plant in Tracadie. That ster and crab company in Tracadie-Sheila, has purchased a building in the Rockland plant can handle up to 60,000 pounds Industrial Park to store and process lobster. Since August, Benoit’s brother-in-law, of lobster per day. Some lobsters will Roy Cormier, has overseen transformation of the former newspaper printing plant be processed at the facility in Rock- into a modern lobster handling and processing facility. land, although Cormier would not say “I couldn’t believe how welcome we’ve been here,” Cormier said. “It’s incred- in what form specifi cally. “There are ible and encouraging.” The impetus for Benoit’s move came this summer, when many options to choose from in terms New Brunswick and some Prince Edward Island lobstermen blocked the transport of processing,” he said. “It depends One of three holding tanks, with total capacity of of Maine lobster to processing facilities in the two provinces. The confrontation on many things, the markets and the 108,000 pounds. Photo by Melissa Waterman. eventually caused Senators Snowe and Collins and even Secretary of State Hillary economy.” Clinton to intervene. Benoit took notice. “Frankie thought that he didn’t want to be The company may hire as many as 30 employees to operate the facility. Local dictated to by those fi shermen,” Cormier explained. “He wanted to be direct with contractors have almost fi nished constructing the holding tanks for the lobsters, as Maine lobster.” well as completing offi ce space and installing cooking and freezing equipment in the Benoit had begun buying lobster from Rockland lobster dealer Jaimie Steeves, processing room. “We hope to have water in the tanks in two weeks [early Novem- owner of J & J Lobster, approximately four years ago. After processing the lobsters ber],” Cormier said. in New Brunswick, the products are sold under the name “Capitaine Frank.” As a The speed with which Benoit and his team have moved ahead on this new facil- result of the blockade, Benoit spoke ity has taken many people by surprise. Cormier, however, was nonchalant about the to Steeves about creating some type pace of construction. “Frankie is very of holding facility locally and perhaps focused,” he said with a smile. “And processing a percentage of those lob- we have been supported every step sters as well. The two men came to an of the process here.” The company agreement and in late August, Benoit has not applied for any government applied to the Rockland code enforce- support for the new facility, although ment offi cer for a building permit. Cormier said that Maine offi cials had “We didn’t have any hoops to jump expressed interest in helping them do through despite being from a foreign so. “You really can’t wait for money company,” Cormier said. “It has been that way,” he said. “It takes forever.” Although things seem quiet on the outside, inside the large smooth going.” Back home in New Brunswick, reaction from lobstermen from the Tracadie area building in Rockland’s industrial park Frank Benoit has The facility, which has not been of- has been generally positive, Cormier continued. “New Brunswick people were sur- built a substantial lobstering holding and processing facil- fi cially named yet, will be able to store prised, yes, but pleased actually,” Cormier said. “That confrontation this summer ity. Photo by Melissa Waterman. 1,200 crates (108,000 pounds) of lob- was just a handful of fi shermen who were upset about their livelihood. Maine lob- stermen were very patient at that time.”

Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 Call the experts for a review of your current plan! Gene and I represent AARP, United Health Care, Aetna, and Humana.

Insuring ¿VKHUPHQDQG WKHLUIDPLOLHVIRU VL[\HDUV

Affordable health insurance for the “What ifs”

Rick Williams Gene Piken Prospect Harbor, ME 04669 5RFNSRUW0( 2I¿FH 3KRQH/,)(  &HOO genemegahealth@ [email protected] roadrunner.com November 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 9 Marketing partnerships mean extended reach for Maine lobster By Marianne LaCroix, acting director, MLPC

arketing partnerships with companies that have compatible products, messag- Ming and customers help extend Maine lobster’s marketing dollars and overall reach. This summer, Boston Beer ran a successful marketing program that paired Maine lobster and Samuel Adams Summer Ale. The promotion included point of sale materials and cross-merchandising coupons as well as public relations and ad- vertising support. The promotion took place in approximately 400 stores through- out New England. Over 8,000 Maine lobsters were tagged with special promotional knuckle tags. The Maine Lobster Promotion Council was invited to co-sponsor Boston Beer’s “Best of Maine” event at the brewery in Boston on October 15. Boston Beer holds this annual event to show its appreciation to commercial customers, including res- taurant and bar operators throughout Maine. It was a great opportunity for the MLPC to meet with Boston Beer representatives who coordinated the marketing program, as well as the foodservice and retail customers who ran the promotion. At the brewery, Maine lobster Chef Ambassador Wilfred Beriau was on hand to serve his lobster rolls to approximately 175 enthusiastic attendees, while acting executive director Marianne LaCroix dished out Hancock Gourmet’s Spruce Head Smoked Scallop Lobster Bisque. Lobsterman Craig Stewart from Long Island circu- lated among the participants answering questions. Event attendees had the opportu- Wilfred Beriau dishes up Maine lobster paired with Samuel Adams beer at the Boston Beer Company’s nity to tour the brewery and sample special brews. The Maine lobster table was one “Best of Maine” event. MLPC photo. of the most popular stops along the tour, with many repeat customers. ing Champagne which singles out Maine lobster as an example of a product with a The MLPC is continuing to explore opportunities to partner with compatible similarly rare provenance. companies. Be on the lookout this winter for a print advertising campaign promot- MLPC brings a taste of Maine to Hong Kong

By MLPC staff

he Maine Lobster Promotion Council (MLPC) hosted an “All About Lobster” Treception as part of the Governor of Maine’s Trade Mission to China in Sep- tember, held in conjunction with the Asian Seafood Expo. The reception was well attended with about 65 people enjoying the savory lobster dishes creatively prepared by a local chef. The MLPC created an educational presentation about Maine lobster that Janine Bisaillon-Cary from the Maine International Trade Center delivered to participants. Attendees at the event included Asia-based seafood buyers and distributers, in- cluding a buyer from a major hotel, as well as representatives from Maine lobster dealers, the U.S. Consulate General’s Agricultural Trade Offi ce, Food Export North- east and several members of the trade mission delegation. Tom Flanagan from Seaview Lobster was in Hong Kong to exhibit at the Asian Seafood Expo, and attended the reception before the show started. “The reception was really well done and the chef did some great and diverse dishes with Maine lobster. As an industry we need to look at as many outlets as we can for our great Governor LePage opens the “All About Lobster” reception in Hong Kong. MLPC photo. product, and this is a positive fi rst step. It’s encouraging in a market where Maine lobster could see potential growth,” he said. success in that market.” The reception proved so popular with participating Maine The event menu was designed to demonstrate to the audience the versatility of lobster dealers that the MLPC plans to offer a similar event in conjunction with the Maine lobster. A variety of dishes were served, including: lobster cake with wasabi International Boston Seafood Show in March and explore opportunities for a com- mayonnaise; lobster, ricotta cheese and tomato burger; homemade lobster bisque; parable event at the European Seafood Expo in April. lobster and parmesan polenta on crispy tart; and lobster, mango and avocado spring roll. “As an industry we need to look at as many outlets as we can for our great product, and this is a positive Yes, we can finance that. fi rst step.” Our team’s experience and knowledge – and our flexible Lillian Lo from Atlantic Kingdom Seafood attended both the Asian Seafood lines of credit – are just three reasons why we’re a Expo and the Maine Lobster reception. “The “All About Lobster” tasting recep- leading lender to the commercial fishing and seafood tion was a great opportunity to make those face-to-face connections with seafood industry...and have been for more than 90 years. importers, distributors and hotel and restaurant buyers from Hong Kong and main- land China, because Maine lobster has always been known as Boston or Canadian We understand your industry. lobster,” explained Lo. “But now Maine lobster is becoming more and more popular We’re dedicated to your success. in Asia, where exports have exploded to nearly $1.5 million last year. Tens of thou- Providing financing for... sands of pounds are shipped on a daily basis to China.” u Governor Paul LePage spoke at the reception and was well received. The Hong commercial fishing & seafood u forest products Kong Trade Development Council fi lmed the entire event and interviewed both the u agriculture & food Governor and Lillian Lo for a news story. u rural property “Events like these are important to our mission of growing demand for Maine farmcreditmaine.com lobster worldwide, including the Asian market, where we see good potential for 800.831.4230 growth,” said Marianne LaCroix, acting executive director of Maine Lobster Pro- AUBURN PRESQUE ISLE 800.831.4640 motion Council. “Educating buyers about our product is one of the fi rst steps to Proud member of the Farm Credit System 10 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION November 2012 Th e Art of Fishing: Purse seining for herring By Melissa Waterman staple food of soldiers, as they were in has increased, so has demand for the World War I and II. Consumers found fi sh as bait. Catching herring is a multi- nce upon a time, everyone ate her- the lure of fast food outlets more ap- million dollar business, bringing more Oring. Canned as sardines, the fi sh pealing than a can of sardines for lunch. than $14 million into the state last year. were part of the American diet for many Herring harvests in Maine dropped Large mid-water trawl vessels set sail for decades. Men, women and children, the steadily over the decades, despite im- Georges Bank with purse seiners work- population of entire Maine towns, lived provements in fi shing technology and ing closer to shore in the early summer by the blast of the sardine factory horn. vessels. In 1950, more than 185 million months to haul the fi sh back to waiting Maine fi shermen supplied those fac- pounds of herring were landed in Maine. bait dealers by the ton. And these vessels tories with thousands upon thousands By 2011, that number was less than 9 traverse the Gulf of Maine in the fall of pounds of herring each year, from million pounds. The last sardine cannery scooping up the fi sh so desired by lob- brush and net weirs, from stop seines in Maine closed its doors in Gouldsboro stermen during the hectic fall months. set across coves, and from purse seines in 2010. But what was it like long ago, when hauled at sea. Herring also has always been a fa- technology was less advanced and the But bit by bit, American tastes vored bait of Maine’s lobstermen. As fi sh still came close to shore? Bobby changed. Sardines were no longer the the number of lobstermen setting traps Warren of Vinalhaven, 69, remembers. Warren began lobster fi shing when he Hauling aboard the Wave Guide, 1962. From was eleven years old. He started herring the Red Boutilier Collection, Penobscot fi shing on the island in the early 1960s. Marine Museum. “We’d do weir fi shing in all the coves, Old Harbor, Dyer’s, Robert’s Cove. And captained by Victor Ames. He moved on later stop seining. Then I went purse to a larger boat called Wave Guide owned seining,” he recalled. “When I fi rst start- by the Holmes Packing Company of ed it was all by hand. There was no pow- Rockland. “My last boat was the Chris- er block involved. Eventually we got a tina M. She was 72 feet,” Warren said. block and a roller [to haul the net closer With the advent of sonar, herring to the boat].” fi shermen could “see” the schools more A purse seine is a large net that is set around a school of herring. At the base “Pair trawlers with big of the net a rope or wire is threaded nets don’t give the herring through the net; the rope, when winched in, closes the net at the base, like a purse. a chance.” The net is pulled smaller and smaller, bunching the fi sh in its center, then precisely than before. That allowed War- brought back to the side of the herring ren to set nets around an entire school. carrier. Originally men in dories brailed This kept the body of the school togeth- Pumping herring held in a purse seine into a waiting carrier. No date. (using a small dip net) the fi sh from the er rather than dividing it up and scatter- From the Red Boutilier Collection, Penobscot Marine Museum. net into the carrier, which had low sides ing the fi sh into a larger area. to make it easier to get the fi sh aboard. The herring fi shermen on Vinalhav- To fi nd those schools of herring, en sold their catch, measured in hogs- Warren and other fi shermen had to pay heads (63 gallons liquid volume or 1,700 attention to what was happening at sea. pounds), to Port Clyde Foods, Holmes They fi shed at night, when the herring Packing, Stinson Cannery and to pro- rose from the bottom to feed on plank- cessors in Canada, according to Warren. ton in the water. “We didn’t have any- The Jacob Pike (which returned to the thing in those days,” he explained. “You herring trade last year) and other carriers would look to see the whales on the would come down from Canada to bring herring. After dark you could see them the fi sh across the border to canneries fl ashing in front of you. They’d light the located there. water right up.” Schooling herring cause Purse seining for herring would take bioluminescence in plankton as they place throughout the summer into Sep- pass through the water, an event called tember, according to Warren. Fishermen “fi ring.” would travel to where the fi sh were. “I Warren started fi shing for herring on went up to Cutler, sometimes to Bailey’s a 30-foot double-ender with no house Mistake where the whales kept the fi sh

Continued on page 11

Aboard the Mary Anne, a Holmes Packing Co. carrier, left to right, Chester Colby, Spruce Head, John Crane, Port Clyde, Norman Anderson, Tenants Harbor. From the Red Boutilier Collection, Penobscot Marine Museum, no date. November 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 11

Closed areas continued from page 1

There are two parallel processes that affect these closures: the fi rst process is the only to those areas closed solely to reduce fi shing mortality (see attached chart). The development of measures (within Groundfi sh Framework 48) to help mitigate the second option being considered is status quo (meaning that the existing year-round economic impact of the dramatic reductions in groundfi sh annual catch limits for groundfi sh closed areas would remain closed to groundfi sh sectors). the 2013 fi shing year, which begins next May. Maine lobstermen may be interested Potential gear confl icts will be explicitly considered. As part of the motion dis- that Framework 48 considers reopening the eastern edge of the current Western cussed above, the Council included language that states “when considering sector Gulf of Maine (WGOM) closure and parts of the Cashes Ledge closure. requests for access to closed areas, the (NMFS) Regional offi ce should include, inter Second, the Council is considering changing the boundaries of all or some of alia, consideration of the potential for gear confl icts, shifts in fi shing effort out of the habitat closed areas through the Omnibus Habitat Amendment. While many of the closed areas and impacts on protected species and lobsters.” The offshore lob- these areas are offshore, one area likely to be of great interest to Maine lobstermen ster fl eet has been in discussions with groundfi sh industry leaders seeking ways to is the northwest corner of the WGOM closure on Jeffreys Ledge. At this point there reduce gear confl ict on Georges Bank, and they are close to agreeing upon how to are many options still under consideration, all of which are available on the Council’s share access to that area. Web site under the Northeast Multi-Species and Habitat Fishery Management Plan There’s a ways to go. The Council is scheduled to vote on the fi nal measures for links. While some feel that the Council is moving quickly toward a foregone conclu- Framework 48 in November and to approve the Draft Omnibus Habitat Amend- sion, it’s very diffi cult to predict what the outcome will be at this early stage. ment for public comment in January, 2013. Framework 48 will be implemented in So where do things currently stand? Here’s what we know: May 2013, and the Omnibus Habitat Amendment is scheduled to be implemented The Council has supported analyzing this issue carefully and plans to make in- in June 2014. formed decisions. An ad-hoc Closed Area Technical Team (CATT) was convened DMR will post major updates on these proposals with links to the New England specifi cally to identify goals for closed area management and to draft management Fishery Management Council’s website to help Maine fi shermen stay up to date. In options that meet those goals. Currently, two options are on the table for Ground- addition, fi shermen or others are welcome to contact me at (207) 624-6553 or by fi sh Framework 48. Under one option, areas previously closed for habitat protec- email at [email protected] for more information about the status tion, or being considered through the Omnibus Habitat Amendment for protection, of the closed area proposals or for opportunities for public comment through the would remain closed. This option would allow groundfi sh sectors to request access Council process.

Heather good-bye continued from page 1 Herring continued from page 10

She jumped right into the thick of things when she started her position with in the cove. I remember one time we were setting down below Boston one after- MLA three years ago, traveling throughout the coast to interview lobstermen about noon. They were on the bottom,” he said. “We loaded four or fi ve [carrier] boats full the different ways they confi gure and fi sh their gear. “We held 38 meetings in dif- with herring. We were just pumping and pumping.” ferent harbors and then [conducted] I don’t know how many one-on-one interviews “It’s certainly a lot different than it used to be,” Warren continued. “Pair trawlers with lobstermen. It was just so much fun though. I was immersed in the culture and with big nets don’t give the herring a chance. I think it’s the beginning of the end the industry,” she said. myself.” Herring don’t come toward shore and fi ll the harbors on Vinalhaven as One result of Heather’s efforts is the “Lobster Gear in the Gulf of Maine” re- they did in the 1960s and 1970s, Warren explained. The herring that are harvested port, the fi rst-ever study of how lobstermen arrange and set lobster traps in Maine, inshore appear to be mainly small juveniles. “I think the big fi sh are caught before New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Prior to the report, scientists and resource they even get here,” he said. managers had only anecdotal information about the variety of lobster gear confi gu- rations, which skewed views of the lobster industry in general. “It was great to see it come to fruition,” Heather said. “It was lots of hard work but it’s one of a kind.” Heather’s research was also critical to the development of a new model to assess the risk of right whales becoming en- tangled in lobster gear along the Maine coast. Heather led small groups of Maine lobster- men through an exercise to map their fi shing territories on NOAA charts, indicating where they fi sh and how intensely they fi sh, completing the fi rst ever complete mapping of the Maine lobster fi shery. Docu- menting the lobster fi shery at such a fi ne scale will allow man- If you think lobster pricing is a guessing game, Heather Tetreault sets sail for new adventures. We wish her well! Photo by Melissa Waterman. agers to appropriately size fu- ture management measures to strategically address problem areas, rather than imposing industry-wide regulations. More recently, Heather has been working in several different projects involving think again. gear modifi cations aimed at lessening the possibility of North Atlantic right whale entanglement. The latest project, which she completed this fall, came about as a Open Ocean Trading is launching our lobster result of lobstermen’s concerns about the causes of chafi ng of sinking groundline. pricing program with FYSH-X this December. The MLA partnered with the Consortium to mount an underwater video camera on The method is proven, clear, and means you a trap to document the occurrence of sinking groundline chafi ng in various regions can be sure. of the coast. “We listened to lobstermen’s concerns [about sinking groundline] and turned it into a project and executed it,” Heather said. “And the video is super cool!” Because today’s knowledge is tomorrow’s “Heather’s work on behalf of the Maine lobster industry has given our industry profit — and you’re invited to participate now. a lot of credibility in the management arena. For years we have talked about the majority of our fi shery taking place close to shore, away from where whales transit offshore. Now we have real data to prove it,” explained Patrice McCarron, MLA executive director. “Heather has done a tremendous job on behalf of Maine lobster- men. We are really going to miss her.” GET INVOLVED, AND GAIN CERTAINTY Call 978.515.7683 or email [email protected] openoceantrading.com · facebook.com/fyshx 12 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION November 2012

Meet our SELECT business members! Th ank them for their support by supporting their businesses.

AUTOMOTIVE Vessel Services Holden Seafood Corporation RESTAURANTS 1 Portland Fish Pier 93 E 7th Street Portland, ME 04101 207-772-5718 New York, NY 10009 Barnacle Billys Inc Newcastle Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep [email protected] 212-387-8487 PO Box 837 573 Rt. 1 www.vesselservices.com [email protected] Ogunquit, ME 03907 Newcastle, ME 04553 www.lukeslobster.com 207-646-5575 207-563-8138 / 888-944-5337 [email protected] [email protected] GIFTS Open Ocean Trading LLC www.barnbilly.com www.newcastlemotorcars.com Maine Camp Outfi tters Keith Flett 15% off parts and service. Receive $200 300 Sunset Rd. 30 Western Ave Newicks Hospitality Group additional discount on all new or used vehicles. Sunset, ME 04683 Gloucester, MA 01930 431 Dover Point Rd. Bring ad copy in at time of sale. 207-348-2459/800-560-6090 978-515-7683 Dover, NH 03820 [email protected] [email protected] 603-742-3205 www.openoceantrading.com BAIT DEALERS www.mainepromotional.com www.newicks.com Discount: 10% off all apparel and promo- Orion Seafood International Alfred Osgood tional product orders The Clam Shack PO Box 358 20 Ladd St. Steve Kingston Vinalhaven, ME 04863 Portsmouth, NH 03801 PO Box 6200 207-863-2518 [email protected] 603-433-2220 Kennebunkport, ME 04046 HYDRAULICS [email protected] 207-967-3321 Bessy Bait LLC [email protected] 155 R Batchelder Rd Coastal Hydraulics Inc Rome Packing Co., Inc. www.theclamshack.net Seabrook, NH 03874 PO Box 2832 Adam S. LaGreca 603-300-2846 / 603-300-2849 Seabrook, NH 03874 2266 Pawtucket Avenue 603-474-1914 East Providence, RI 02914 [email protected] www.bessybait.com SAFETY TRAINING Show MLA member card to receive $5 off [email protected] 401-228-7170 800-985-7663 10% discount on all in stock items. each barrel on multiple barrel purchases at the [email protected] McMillan Offshore Survival Training Seabrook NH location. www.romepacking.com PO Box 411 Hews Company LLC Belfast, ME 04915 190 Rumery St Lunds Fisheries Spruce Head Fishermen’s Coop 207-338-1603 South Portland, ME 04106 David Brand 275 Island Rd [email protected] 207-767-2136 / 800-234-4397 997 Ocean Dr. South Thomaston, ME 04858 www.mcmillanoffshore.com [email protected] www.hewsco.com 207-594-7980 10% discount on safety training Cape May, NJ 08204 10% off hydraulic components and cable craft 609-884-7600 cables. dbrand@lundsfi sh.com Weathervane Seafoods Inc 31 Badgers Island West www.lundsfi sh.com TRAP BUILDERS STOCK & SUPPLIES INSURANCE Kittery, ME 03904 207-439-0920 O’Hara Corporation Brooks Trap Mill 120 Tilson Ave. Allen Insurance and Financial www.weathervaneseafoods.com 10% off all mail orders, retail orders 211 Beechwood St Rockland, ME 04841 Chris Guptill 34-36 Elm St., PO Box 578 Thomaston, ME 04861 207-594-0405 207-354-8763 Camden, ME 04847 207-263-4311 Winter Harbor Fishermen’s Coop [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 23 Pedleton Rd. www.alleninsuranceandfi nancial.com Winter Harbor, ME 04693 Purse Line Bait Friendship Trap Company 207-963-5857 32 Bakers Wharf Rd 570 Cushing Rd Sebasco Estates, ME 04565 Smithwick & Mariners Insurance [email protected] 10% off fresh picked lobster meat Friendship, ME 04547 207-389-9155 jenniebplb@yahoocom 366 US Route One Falmouth, ME 04105 207-354-2545 800-451-1200 207-781-5553 800-370-1883 [email protected] www.friendshiptrap.com [email protected] MARINE ENGINES BOAT BUILDERS/BOAT REPAIR Discounted vessel insurance for members. Ad- 5% off list price on lobster traps when you show MLA membership card ditional 5% discount if Coast Guard-approved Cummins Northeast, LLC SW Boatworks, Stewart Workman Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor course completed George Menezes 358 Douglas Highway Sea Rose Trap Co within 5 years. 10 Gibson Rd. Lamoine, ME 04605 137 Pleasant Hill Rd. Scarborough, ME 04074 [email protected] Scarborough, ME 04074 207-510-2247 www.swboatworks.com 207-730-2063 LEGAL SERVICES [email protected] Show MLA card to receive $500discount on a [email protected] www.cumminsnortheast.com new hull or top. www.searosetrap.com Nicholas H Walsh PA 5% off trap list price PO Box 7206 Milton Cat Portland, ME 04112 PO Box 960 EDUCATION AND TRADE SHOWS 207-772-2191 Scarborough, ME 04070 [email protected] 207-833-9586 Maine Maritime Museum www.nicholas-walsh.com [email protected] Amy Lent 25% off legal services to MLA members 243 Washington Street, Bath, ME 207-443-1316 PROPELLERS [email protected] LOBSTER/SEAFOOD/WHOLESALE/RETAIL www.mainemaritimemuseum.org Free admission to MLA members Accutech Marine Propeller Inc. Check out the collection of unique and unusual lobster Canobie Seafoods, Inc 24 Crosby Rd Unit 6 1077 Bar Harbor Rd Dover, NH 03820 designs & illustrations by native Maine artist Andrew M. Cook. Trenton, ME 04605 207-667-2250 603-617-3626 FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT SERVICES [email protected] [email protected] www.accutechmarine.com Machias Savings Bank Cozy Harbor Seafood Inc 20% off propeller repair to MLA members. 4 Center Street, Machias 04654 PO Box 389 Discounts for new propellers, shafting, hardware. 207-255-3347 Portland, ME 04112 www.machiassavings.com 207-879-2665 [email protected] REFRIGERATION SERVICES www.cozyharbor.com FISHING, MARINE & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES Applied Refrigeration Services Cranberry Isles Fishermens Coop 7C Commons Avenue North Atlantic Power, Sam Profi o PO Box 258 Windham, Maine 04062 15 Continental Dr. Islesford, ME 04646 207-893-0145 Exeter, NH 03833 207-244-5438 [email protected]; 603-418-0470 sprofi [email protected] www.appliedrefrigeration.com 10% discount for all service repair of twin disc Fishermen’s Heritage Lobster Coop $250 off new installations transmissions. 15% off new MGX series gears PO Box 359 and electronic control systems. Friendship, ME 04547 www.lobsteringisanart.com 207-832-6378 November 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 13 Lobster license study nears completion By Alexa Dayton, GMRI important to people. There is fear of high-priced licenses should they ever become transferrable and available on the open market. On the other hand, many fi sher- his past summer, Gulf of Maine Research Institute staff began an in-depth men are interested in inter-family transfers of either licenses or tags. There are a lot Tevaluation of the Maine lobster and crab license limited entry system. We have of people waiting a very long time on the lists for a license. Trap tags have been been busy collecting information for the study from a variety of sources. The fi nal suggested as “the currency” that a licensing system for Maine might build upon to report and recommendation was originally due on October 15, but given the vast create a more fl exible system with additional personal choice. scope of the assignment GMRI received an extension until November 1. Right now, we seem to face less of a resource management concern and more So far the team has heard from fi shermen, apprentices, students, individuals on of a social equity question -- a fairness question -- about who has the privilege to the lobster license waiting lists, town offi cials, fi sheries associations, and many oth- access the fi shery and how to ensure healthy coastal economies. Keeping an eye on ers. We have received 100+ phone calls from individuals, 50+ letters, and 1,500 the long-term health of the lobster population and creating a way for managers to returned opinion surveys (25% return rate). With all of this information gathered, act swiftly by setting thresholds through a fi sheries management plan also will be we are now looking for the common statewide issues and concerns and how regional critical to ensure we have a fi shery for the future. It’s a delicate balance for sure. By differences, diversity in size of fi shing operation and individual fi shing goals might building additional regional and personal fl exibility into the system there may be a apply to the various fi ndings. way to meet everyone’s needs. The common themes that have emerged are clear and largely shared by both license holders and non-license holders. An “owner-operator” provision is very More TAA coming in November!

n November Maine Sea Grant and the Maine Lobstermen’s Association are delivering TAA workshops in Topsham, and Jonesport. These back-to-back train- Iings are designed to help participants chip away at their required 12 hours of training time. Supper will be provided for participants who choose to attend both workshops. RSVP IS REQUIRED and a fi ve-person minimum will be required for these trainings. Please call 967-4555 to sign up or with general TAA questions.

Initial Business Plans are due on July 23, 2013; the deadline for completion of the entire TAA program is September 2013. 12 hours of training, the initial business plan, business consulting and full business plan must all be completed and approved by the deadline, to fi nish the whole program.

November 7 November 13 1- 4 p.m. Product Quality and Handling 1 – 4 p.m. Product Quality and Handling 5 – 8 p.m. Lobster Market Overview 5 – 8 p.m. Lobster Market Overview Border Trust, 2 Main Street Topsham Peabody Library Community Room, 162 Main Street, Jonesport.

Everson Cordage Works Inc.

Everson Cordage Works Incorporated specializes in providing volume and wholesale markets with the highest quality twisted and braided twines and ropes. All products are manufactured at our plant located in Everson, Washing- ƚŽŶĂŶĚŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐƉĞĐŝĂůƚLJĐŽƌĚĂŐĞƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐĨŽƌƌĞĐƌĞĂƟŽŶĂů͕ marine, industrial and commercial uses.

Manufacturer of Quality Cordage Products

Ȋȱ¢•˜—ȱŽ’—Žȱ ’—ŽœȱȊȱ˜™Žœȱ ȊȱŸŽ›œ˜—ȱ›˜

˜•¢ŽœŽ›ȱ˜›ŠŽȱȊȱ›Š’Žȱ˜›ŠŽȱȊȱŠ•’—Žȱ˜›ŠŽ

Products are available through our authorized distributor /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂůDĂƌŝŶĞDĂƌŬĞƟŶŐ 28 Blanchard Place Wakefeld, RI 02879 14 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION November 2012 Major U.S.-Canada lobster science symposium to be held in Portland in November

he status of the American lobster over the last de- thropogenic and environmental stressors; foodweb dy- Tcade is a story of contrasts. While lobster numbers namics; human-natural systems and ecosystem-based from the Gulf of Maine northward have climbed to management; and population connectivity. historic highs, southern New England has been plagued Rick Wahle, a research associate professor in by disease and mass mortality. Coastal communities in UMaine’s School of Marine Sciences, is co-chairing the Atlantic Canada and Maine are more dependent on the conference along with Andrea Battison of the Univer- lobster fi shery than ever before. Yet, for the fi rst time, sity of Prince Edward Island and Paul Anderson of southern New England harvesters face the prospect of Maine Sea Grant. Wahle envisions the symposium as a a moratorium on lobster fi shing. forum to examine Homarus americanus in the context of To what extent has the American lobster been af- its changing environment. fected by the fundamental changes that have occurred “We hope this event will be a space for research- over the past few decades in the climate and food web ers to share new fi ndings, identify region-wide research of the Northwest Atlantic, as well as the economics of gaps and priorities, and catalyze new collaborations,” Sessions will conclude with an opportunity for sym- seafood? Wahle said. posium attendees to participate in open, moderated This question and others will be addressed at “The The conference themes will be introduced by discussions about each theme. “We’ve had a great re- American Lobster in a Changing Ecosystem: A U.S.- prominent fi gures in the world of lobster fi sheries: Jeff sponse from lobster researchers, which highlights the Canada Science Symposium,” which will be held Nov. Shields of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science will need for such a symposium at this time. We are look- 27-30 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, Maine. present on stressors and diseases; Robert Steneck of ing forward to an informative event for idea exchange,” Aiming to promote broad dialogue among aca- UMaine’s School of Marine Sciences on the chang- said Battison. demic, industry and government researchers on both ing foodweb; Michael Fogarty of the National Marine The symposium is open to the public with a $130 sides of the border, the event will feature more than 80 Fisheries Service on the human dimensions of ecosys- registration fee. The fee for students is $80. For more scientifi c talks and posters on four main themes: an- tem-based management, and Lew Incze of UMaine’s information about the symposium, including the School of Marine Sciences on the connections be- schedule and registration information, go to seagrant. tween Atlantic lobster populations. umaine.edu/lobster-symposium.

Maine Fishermen’s Forum PO Box 288 Bath, ME 04530 3XUVH/LQH%DLW (207) 442-7700 2013 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION +HUULQJ3RJLHV5HG¿VK The Maine Fishermen’s Forum Board of Directors offers a scholarship fund to benefit immediate family Frozen Products, Salt members (son/daughter, or a grandson /granddaughter) or legal dependent of someone actively involved in Maine’s seafood industry, regardless of financial need or academic achievement. Undergraduates attending a 207-389-9155 two or four year college who are in at least the second year of their program or students who are in at least the second semester of their Certificate Program will be eligible. Applications will be accepted Just 12 miles south of Bath through February 25, 2013. Scholarships will be awarded by a random drawing to be held during the 38th annual Maine Fishermen’s Forum. Please note that previous winners are not eligible. E-mail Do you qualify? Check all that apply: [email protected] Are you a sophomore, junior or senior right now? You must be at least a sophomore to apply. Cell phone Do you have an immediate family member actively participating in Maine’s seafood industry? 207-841-1454 What do you need to apply? Check all that apply: Complete the following application and send to the address at the top. Provide an official transcript or Registrar’s letter of current standing along with the application.

You qualify for the scholarship drawing ONLY IF you have checked all 4 of the boxes above.

STUDENT INFORMATION

Student Name______

Street/Mailing Address______Home Phone______

City______State_____ Zip Code______Email: ______

SCHOOL INFORMATION

137 Pleasant Hill Road, Scarborough College/University Name______Expected Year of Graduation: ______• Riverdale AQUAMESH ® Wire - Made in USA Location of College ______Your Major ______• Distributor of Fitec Twine and Buoys **School Standing as of Sept 2012 (circle one) Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior • Cotesi and Polysteel “Hot Shot” Rope • Worcester’s Lobster and Crab Bait MAINE SEAFOOD INDUSTRY FAMILY MEMBER INFORMATION • Kits, Cages, and Complete Traps Name______Relationship______• Traps built the way you want! Street/Mailing Address______Phone______• Unlike the others, we have trap kits IN STOCK City______State______Zip Code______Email: ______

Now Stocking Trap Supplies in our Retail Store Vessel Name or Commercial License Number ______www.searosetrap.com Describe participation in the Maine seafood [email protected] EMAIL OR Shop: 207-730-5531 ______CALL TODAY! Cell: 207-730-2063 ______November 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 15 Could One Hour With This Doctor Give You The Answer To Your Disc Pain? Now in midcoast Maine, one doctor has what may be the most important breakthrough in non- surgical back pain treatments. Before and after MRI studies have shown disc bulges shrink in size – even with the most painful cases.

If you’ve had disc problems for years, recently injured your back, or you’re suffering with sciatica, you must hear about these new studies. Here’s What Our Patients Say…

“I could barely get into my truck after a day of fi shing. “Constant back and left leg pain were part of my free up. Feel muscles tied in knots become more The motion from my boat, or lifting something as life following an injury in 1998. I continued to supple. Feel strength in your muscles increase. light as a fi ve gallon bucket of water was enough work through the pain until my pain increased You’re able to live life like a normal person again, to irritate the L4 disc bulge in my low back causing signifi cantly and was accompanied by increased without back pain - able to play with your kids, enjoy severe pain in my back and left hip. I found weakness in my leg. At times my wife would have time with friends, and fi nally get a good night’s rest. myself in this condition after having several spinal to move my leg for me because I could not. Years injections and having undergone advanced pain earlier I had to decline the recommendation of a The Single Most Important Solution To procedures. My wife found out about Non Surgical surgeon who wanted to fuse my back. I continued Your Sciatica and Back Pain Decompression therapy and started with treatment to be highly motivated to avoid that and was told by It’s time for you to fi nd out if spinal decompression will as soon as I could. Within fi ve weeks I was pain free a friend about Non Surgical Spinal Decompression be your sciatic and back pain solution. I’m running after having severe pain for four years!! Three years and I was at a point where I had to do something. a special offer where you can fi nd out if you are a later I continue to work pain free and am back to my I started decompression and soon began to notice candidate for spinal decompression. old self!” a reduction in my pain. Not long after that my pain Robert Morris was drastically reduced I was able to play with my Tenants Harbor, Maine family again. My wife remarked one day after seeing What does this offer include? Everything I normally do in my new patient evaluation. me play with the kids on our front lawn ‘you can run Just call before December 1 and here’s what you’ll Scientifi c studies tell us that spinal discs are again, actually run.’ It is hard for me to believe the get… responsible for a lot of the severe pain people suffer incredible difference but remain very thankful as An in-depth consultation about your health and well- from. Discs act like a cushion between our backbones four years later I continue to have an active life.” being where I will listen…really listen…to the details and allow for a space at each level so the nerves can Bruce Farrin of your case. exit the spinal column. When these discs get injured Walpole, Maine A complete neuromuscular examination. they begin to degenerate and cause pain. Bulging Diagnostic testing to determine if a spinal problem is and herniations being to form, pressing on the nerve contributing to your pain or symptoms. roots. If the herniations occur in the lumbar spine, with just a few treatments, and best of all there will A thorough analysis of your exam and diagnostic they can severely compromise the large sciatic nerve, be no dangerous drugs, no invasive procedures, no testing fi ndings so we can start mapping out your causing muscle weakness, tingling, and severe pain. painful exercises. plan to being pain free. The most common invasive treatment for disc You’ll get to see everything fi rst hand and fi nd out if herniations is surgery. This costs quite a bit of money. The Research Behind This Treatment this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, like Even with health insurance the patient is left with One clinical study has shown non-surgical spinal it has been for so many other patients. their own portion of the bill, that may be in excess of decompression to be extremely successful (good Until December 1 you can get everything I’ve listed $5,000-$10,000, and sometimes more. The recovery or excellent relief) in 86% of patients with herniated here for only $19. The normal price for this type of time and, missed work can be anywhere from 3 to discs and degenerative disc disease- without the side evaluation including diagnostic testing is $218, so 6 months, not to mention the obvious severe risks effects. Another study presented at the American you’re saving a considerable amount by taking me associated with all surgery. But here’s the biggest Academy of Pain Management in 2007 showed… up on this offer. problem…there is a high failure rate of back surgery. “Patients reported a mean 88.9% improvement in One medical study found that on average, 53% of L5- back pain and better function…No patients required S1 back surgeries fail to product relief of symptoms any invasive therapies (e.g. epidural injections, (International Orthop 1987.) surgery.)” As you can see, spinal decompression has Maine Spine & Nerve a high success rate with helping disc herniations, Before You Opt For Spinal Surgery…You sciatica, and back pain. In just a matter of weeks you Institute could be back on the golf course, enjoying your love should seriously consider a less invasive Leaders in Non-Surgical life, traveling again. approach called spinal decompression. Spinal Decompression Non-surgical spinal decompression is a new Feel The Improvement- and Say “Yes” to Call our 24 hour helpline at 207-563-8500 technology that has been proven to reverse disc www.msnidrx.com herniations. It creates a vacuum effect on the disc, Life Again which pulls the disc back into its normal position and With my “Decompression Evaluation” we’ll be able 17 Back Meadow Road brings in a fresh blood supply to promote healing. to fi nd the problem and then correct it. Think of how Dr. Douglas VanderPloeg D.C. Spinal decompression treatments are very gentle. In you’ll feel in just a few short weeks. See and feel your fact, every once and a while I even catch patients life change for the better. Start your body on the way sleeping during sessions. Most patients feel better to pain-free, normal living. Feel tight joints rest, relax, 16 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION November 2012 2012 Lobster Chefs of the Year!

he Maine Lobster Chefs of the Year 2012 were crowned at this year’s lobster The judges’ pick for Maine Lobster Chef of the Year Kerry Altiero is the chef Tcook-off competition held October 25 at Portland’s four-day food and wine and owner of Cafe Miranda in Rockland. In 1993, Altiero decided to open a restau- event, Harvest on the Harbor. The 200-plus audience members voted Chef Mack- rant that was fueled by his passion for great food, multi-cultural cuisines, his Italian enzie Arrington of Boothbay Harbor the People’s Choice Chef and, new this year, heritage and Rockland. He renovated the historic Owl Benevolent and Fraternal a panel of judges picked Chef Kerry Altiero of Rockland as their Lobster Chef of Club located at 15 Oak Street in the heart of downtown Rockland. The result was the Year 2012. an edgy-yet-intimate multi-cultural cuisine restaurant that has become a must for Chef Mackenzie Arrington prepared for the audience and judges Ricotta Gnudi, residents and visitors alike. Maine Lobster with Truffl e, Chanterelle and Chervil. Chef Kerry Altiero prepared Maine Harvest Pasta Salad with Maine Lobster, Corn, Tomatoes and Parsley. The judges included Steve Cory, executive chef at 555 restaurant in Portland; Kathleen Fleury, assistant editor at DownEast magazine; and Sharon Rose, WCSH 6’s “Morn- ing Report” anchor. Tom Martin, owner and captain of Lucky Catch Lobster Cruis- es, hosted the event. Presented by the Maine Lobster Promotion Council, the annual Maine Lobster Chef of the Year cook-off competition helps celebrate and showcase Maine’s peak lobster harvest season by giving Maine chefs the opportunity to vie for the presti- gious title. The All-Star Challenge included three chefs who had participated in the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year competition in the past: Kerry Altiero of Cafe Miranda in Rockland, Mackenzie Arrington of The Dutch in New York City, and Melissa Bouchard of DiMillo’s on the Water in Portland. “All three chefs did an exceptional job representing Maine lobster during its peak harvest season and showcasing innovative new ways for people to enjoy Maine lobster,” said Marianne LaCroix, acting executive director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council. “We are proud to host this annual competition and pleased to partner with Maine’s premier food and wine event, Harvest on the Harbor, which allows us to share this special event with people from all over the country.” People’s Choice Maine Lobster Chef of the Year Arrington grew up in Boothbay and now lives and works in New York City. In 2009, Arrington graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and promptly won the title of Maine Lobster Chef of the Year. He served as a chef ambassador for Maine in 2010, taking third place in the Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans. Recently Mackenzie has begun 2012 lobster chef winners Mackenzie Arrington, left, Kerry Altiero, right, Marianne LaCroix, MLPC work at Chef Andrew Carmellini’s The Dutch restaurant in New York. acting executive director, middle. MLPC photo.

News & Comment for and by the Fishermen of Maine NEW ENGLAND’S MOST READ COMMERCIAL FISHING NEWSPAPER All along the Maine Coast, and in ports south to Cape Cod - IT’S WHAT FISHERMEN READ!

$ Subscribe Today! Send check or money order for 18.* along with the information below to: Fishermen’s Voice ® P.O. Box 253 , Gouldsboro, ME 04607 Marine *Canadian subscriptions are $23 U.S. dollars Name ______Address______Power City ______State, Zip______MLA 10/12 SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON ALL NEW COMMERCIAL ENGINE PURCHASES Join us in Supporting the Tradition of Making One’s Living from the Sea by Advertising in the Fishermen’s Voice. Model HP Discount C7 / Tier II 460 $1,000 The leader with 8,000 copies monthly C9 / Tier II 500 $1,500 from Eastport to Kittery and on to Cape Cod. C12 / Tier II 660 / 700 $1,500 207-963-7195 C18 / Tier II 855 $2,000 Send letters, news, stories to: P.O. Box 253 Gouldsboro, ME 04607 For details and a price quote, please Email: [email protected] contact Stewart Tuttle at 207-885-8082. www.miltoncat.com www.fishermensvoice.com November 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 17 Meeting Roundup MLA “Meet the Candidates” entire herring quota will be landed and fort to help offshore boats. The MLA Maine’s Working Waterfront Meetings the fi shery closed by early November. will continue to seek feedback on these Coalition Inshore herring landings are greatly hin- issues and discuss them at future meet- September 25 in Portland; Septem- dered by area spawning closures in effect ings. October 10, via conference call – The ber 27 in Ellsworth; October 4 in Rock- during September and October. The Directors continued their dis- Working Waterfront Coalition discussed land – The Maine Lobstermen’s Asso- Directors raised concerns about the cussion on potential harvester reform, the Question 3 bond to provide $5 mil- ciation held three regional meetings to increased number of gear confl icts off conveying feedback heard from mem- lion in funding to the Land for Maine’s meet candidates who will appear on the of Mount Desert Island with purse sein- bers. The Directors emphasized again Future Program. If approved by voters, November 6 ballot. These meetings in- ers fi shing for herring. Since this fi shery that the industry is in a very vulnerable a portion of these funds would support troduce candidates to the MLA and the takes place at night, a lot of lobster gear situation and that something should be the preservation of working waterfronts issues facing the Maine lobster industry. is lost. This problem has been worse done. The LAC is analyzing a suite of through the Working Waterfront Ac- “Natural resource-based industries are than usual this year because warm water options for consideration by the DMR. cess Protection Program. A campaign, very complex, so the MLA hosts these has led many lobstermen to set offshore Two issues were raised that make it dif- “Citizens to Preserve Maine’s Heritage,” meetings during each election cycle to gear early. It is anticipated that this prob- fi cult to move forward with harvester has been launched urging voters to sup- help candidates gain a deeper under- lem could escalate in future years. MLA reform. First, most harvesters do not port this bond. Funding from the 2010 standing of the issues facing Maine’s Directors felt that the best course of ac- think about the industry as a whole, but bonding cycle has not been made fully lobstermen,” explained Patrice McCar- tion is for affected lobstermen to com- rather look at how any change will af- available for spending, so the WWAPP is ron, MLA’s director. Candidates were municate with Marine Patrol offi cers fect each as an individual. Until lobster- temporarily on hold until these funds are presented information about the MLA, and with the herring vessels operating in men are able to think about how the released. There are many potential proj- the lobster industry and those issues their local area. industry can work together to create ects that have not been funded which likely to be debated by the Legislature. The MLPC sent out a press state- a higher valued lobster, change will be the new bond money would support. Information touched on the basic demo- ment announcing that Dane Somers has diffi cult. Second, MLA Directors raised A national Working Waterfront Sympo- graphics of the industry, lobster man- resigned as its Director and Marianne the issue of lack of enforcement. If you sium will be held March 25-28, 2013, in agement structure, lobster conservation LaCroix is serving as acting director. are going to be serious about this busi- Tacoma, Washington. measures, market conditions, efforts to The MLA had a brief discussion about ness, then you need to have serious laws brand Maine lobster, and the potential several issues expected to come before and enforcement mechanisms in place. to increase lobster processing in Maine. the Maine Legislature in 2013. The LAC Cheaters have the ability to take away Menhaden Coalition Confer- will bring forward a bill to dissolve the from the guys who are doing the right Maine Lobster Promotion Council and thing. This is disrespectful and needs to ence Call establish a new marketing organization change before any real reform of our MLA Directors Meeting October 11, via conference call – funded with an annual budget of $3 business model can happen. The next The menhaden coalition met to discuss million, phased in over three years. The MLA meeting will be November 7, at 5 October 9 -- Belfast, ME – The MLA ASMFC’s proposed changes to the men- MLA supports this effort. p.m. at Darby’s in Belfast. board reviewed the fi nancials including haden management plan (Amendment The Gulf of Maine Research Insti- the profi t and loss, balance sheet, and 2) and issues surrounding the stock as- tute (GMRI) will be submitting a report cash fl ow reports. A budget committee to the Maine Department of Marine Re- was formed to work on the 2013 budget Continued on page18 sources assessing the current lobster in- for presentation to the Board in Novem- dustry limited entry system and recom- ber. mending options to improve it. Industry The MLA held a series of three can- feedback has been solicited through a didates meetings. Attendance was fair series of outreach meetings and a survey HYDRO-SLAVE at the meetings with Portland draw- mailed to licensed commercial harvesters SAME DAY SERVICE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT ing the most candidates, followed by and to those in the apprentice program Rockland and then Ellsworth. Several and on the waiting list (25% of surveys regulatory updates then were discussed. “THINKING OF BUILDING A NEW BOAT?” were returned). MLA has participated in LET US QUOTE YOU ON A POWER STEERING OR A POT HAULER. The Maine’s Public Utilities Commis- focus group meetings to provide addi- sion (PUC) tabled action on Stat Oil’s tional information to GMRI and repre- HAULERS AVAILABLE 8” TO 17” proposed term sheet requesting to set • ALUMINUM BACKPLATE sent the concerns of current commercial a minimum price for energy generated • POLISHED STAINLESS BACKPLATE lobstermen. DMR plans to get feedback • ALL STAINLESS HARDWARE from offshore wind turbines. The PUC on the GMRI study recommendations sent the term sheet back to Stat Oil ask- POWER STEERING AVAILABLE IN 5 CLASSES during the fall months. The report will ing for greater assurances that Maine • UP TO 120 FEET be presented to the Maine Legislature in • STAINLESS QUADRANT ASSEMBLIES will reap long-term benefi ts from the January 2013. Several Directors noted • STAINLESS HELMS pilot wind energy project off its coast. that any change to the lobster industry’s On a separate track, the Stat Oil project 16” SPOKED WHEEL entry system could signifi cantly impact continues to move through the federal • BRONZE DUAL RAM the industry at a time when it is already • CHROME QUADRANT ASSEMBLY Bureau of Ocean Management (BOEM) overwhelmed with changing circum- process. MLA will provide written com- stances. The board believes it would be HIGH EFFICIENCY VANE ments to BOEM on the Stat Oil applica- ELECTRIC CLUTCHES imprudent to make changes based on PUMP tion (due November 8). $544.70 one study as the industry will need time • 100% Stainless Steel construction The Board discussed proposed to digest the report and understand the • Rudder side thrust eliminated changes to the ASMFC Shrimp Plan and • no stress on boat timbers long-term implications of changing the Maine’s Scallop Plan. Anyone with an in- entry system. terest in shrimping or scalloping is urged 5.5 HP HONDA POWER UNIT OUR NEW GENERATION SUPER BLOCKS Two long-standing and controversial • 11GPM @ 1500 PSI 2 Stage Pump • 4” Low LIP and HI LIP to review the proposals and get their • Light, Versatile and Portable • 5” Low LIP and HI LIP topics are likely to receive attention in thoughts on the record. MLA will pro- • This unit will power 10” • 2000 lb. Capacity the Legislature: allowing the landing of and 12” and 14” Haulers • Sealed tapered vide comments to ASMFC on the pro- dragger-caught lobster and ending the • Ideal for outboards and roller bearings posed changes to the Menhaden Plan other small boats • Aluminum Sheaves zones at three miles. The MLA Board • Log Splitter • Stainless Sheaves which could result in signifi cant cuts in reiterated that the landing of dragger- menhaden landings (due November 16) caught lobster is not up for discussion. and on the right and humpback whale Several perspectives were raised regard- stock assessments (due November 5). WORLD’S LARGEST POT HAULER MFG. FOR OVER 40 YEARS ing the impacts of changing the zone The offshore Area 3 herring fi sh- boundary line. This idea has not been ery was closed on October 2 when the Call John for more information 1-800-747-7550 • Or visit us on supported by the industry in the past. quota allocation was landed; at that time the internet: http://www.midcoast.com/~marinhyd/ However, it was suggested that the pro- the inshore herring fi shery had landed MARINE HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING posal may be to create a separate zone 75% of its quota. It is possible that the 17 Gordon Drive • Rockland, Maine • Fax: 207-594-9721 in the federal waters of Area 1 in an ef- Email: [email protected] 18 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION November 2012

Meeting roundup continued from page 17 sessment. The proposed management changes could result in dramatic catch re- Both Addendum XVIII and Draft Addendum XIX respond to the depleted ductions. They stem from the last stock assessment which determined that the condition of the Southern New England (SNE) lobster resource and the Board’s resource is likely not overfi shed but overfi shing is likely occurring. However, there intent to scale the capacity of the SNE fi shery to the size the SNE resource. The are serious questions surrounding the fi ndings of the stock assessment which Board will continue to work on addressing trap banking, controlled growth, and make it diffi cult to assess the population size or how much the fi shing mortality trap caps for LCMA 2 and 3 participants in the fi shery. needs to be reduced. Omega Protein has hired a stock assessment scientist, Dr. The Board also initiated development of Draft Addendum XX to formalize Butterworth, to make some changes to the assessments which were recommended measures outlined in an agreement between the offshore lobster fi shery and sector by the Review Panel in 2010. While preliminary, this analysis indicates that sig- trawl fi shermen for bottom sharing in Closed Area II of Georges Bank in order to nifi cant cuts in landings are not needed to maintain a healthy stock. The goal of protect large concentrations of egg bearing females and to prevent gear confl icts. Amendment 2 is to end overfi shing immediately; however, this is not possible if The agreement specifi es certain times of year when lobster trap gear and sector the status of the stock is unknown. Individual coalition members will advocate trawl fi shermen may fi sh in (or not fi sh in) in certain portions of Closed Area II. that the Commission not move forward with signifi cant reductions in quota until Addendum XIX will be available on the Commission website (www.asmfc.org) the next benchmark assessment is completed in 2014. under Breaking News or by contacting the Commission (703-842-0740). Draft Ad- dendum XX will be developed for Board consideration during the Commission’s Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Fall Meeting winter meeting. The Shad and River Herring Management Board met to review the potential The ASFMC Atlantic Herring Section met to review a number of issues, in- Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing of river herring, discuss recent Council ac- cluding fi nal approval of comprehensive spawning regulations under Addendum tion pertaining to shad and river herring bycatch, approve four sustainable fi shing V; a Technical Committee Report on Nantucket Shoals Spawning Area; an update plans, and review state compliance. In August 2012, NMFS sent a letter to the on the New England Fishery Management Council Amendment 4 Court ruling; New England Fishery Management Council, requesting that the Council consider and follow-up on a ISFMP Policy Board task regarding fl exibility and delayed im- adding shad and river herring as a stock in the fi shery to the Atlantic Herring FMP. plementation. This request was in response to the Court’s ruling vacating Amendment 4 to the The Technical Committee presented a white paper that assesses the impacts to Atlantic Herring FMP, effective August 2013. the herring stock if spawning area were to be established for Nantucket Shoals. Four states submitted sustainable fi shing plans as required under Amendments The Board tasked the Technical Committee move forward with further study of 2 and 3: Rhode Island (river herring), Massachusetts (American shad), Connecticut additional spawning areas to include management and subarea management for (American shad), and Virginia (American shad). The Massachusetts plan proposed Area 3 (Georges Bank area). For area 1A, the Section set the 2013 seasonal alloca- to close all American shad fi sheries with the exception of the Merrimack River and tion the same as 2012, with 72.8% of the quota available from June – September Connecticut Rivers and lower the recreational bag limit from six fi sh per angler per and 27.2% available from October – December. The Section agreed to close 1A at day to three fi sh per angler per day in those two systems. The Connecticut propos- 95% of the quota and allow rollover of unused quota from the two periods. al requested the continuation of the commercial and recreational American shad The Commission’s American Lobster Board has approved Draft Addendum fi sheries in the Connecticut River only. Virginia requested a limited bycatch allow- XIX to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American ance of American shad from 2013 – 2017. Rhode Island requested a 5% bycatch Lobster for public comment and review. The Draft Addendum proposes to change tolerance for federally permitted Atlantic herring vessels fi shing in federal waters. the transfer tax for Lobster Conservation Management Area 3 (LCMA 3 - offshore The Board approved all of the sustainable fi shing plans that were submitted. waters) to a single conservation tax of 10% for full business or partial trap sales within the area.

+&'60+'4$1#6$41-'4#)' E   Specializing in quality, well-maintained   commercial and recreational vessels 1986 HOLLAND 38’ LOBSTER/TUNA, SPLIT SINK )/2$7 WHEELHOUSE SOLD ! 2010 Cat C-9, 503 hp, 523( 523( fully equipped for offshore $122,900

Please contact David directly at 207-522-7572 or david@etnierboats. Highest quality ropes made in Maine ĐŽŵƚŽůĞĂƌŶŵŽƌĞĂďŽƵƚƚŚŝƐĮŶĞďŽĂƚŽƌĚŝƐĐƵƐƐLJŽƵƌŽǁŶ 6XSHU6LQN‡6WHHO/LQHU‡(DV\3XOO‡)ORDW5RSHV ĐŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂůĮƐŚŝŶŐǀĞƐƐĞůďƵLJŝŶŐŽƌƐĞůůŝŶŐŶĞĞĚƐ͘ E    Visit us at www.etnierboats.com 2  6 

THE MLA WORKS FOR YOU Keep your traps fishing even when “Whether it’s whale rules, bait you can’t get to ‘em! All Natural Salted Hairless Cowhide LVVXHV RU ODFN RI SURÀWDEOH PDU- keting, MLA is in the forefront of LONG-LASTING and AFFORDABLE those issues. I wanted to be a part LOBSTER BAIT in shaping that voice.” Available in 30 gal. drums or 5 gal. pailss Bob Baines, Spruce Head www.bessybait.com Phone: 603.300.2846 or 603.300.2849 Email: [email protected] Bessy Bait is sold at our warehouse located at 155 rear Batchedler Rd., Seabrook NH 03874 ApprovedApproved Become a member. Let your voice be heard. Please call for HOURS and PRICING! Bessy Bait is also sold at all Brooks Trap Mill locations. Maine Labeling [email protected] // www.mainelobstermen.org // 207-967-4555 November 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 19

Off shore continued from page 1 lobstermen are making the effort to fi sh offshore in- Thus a shift in lobster abundance offshore must have western Maine. There’s suitable habitat everywhere.” dicates that something has changed. “During the last occurred or is occurring. Wilson confi rms that there Wilson and colleagues have also found a correlation 25 years there have been improvements in technology has been an expansion of the lobster population along for this theory from the ventless trap survey conducted that allow lobstermen to fi sh in that area,” he acknowl- the coast, a change that began in western Maine waters throughout the coast. The survey data show that the edged. “But if more must go offshore to maintain their in the 1980s and 1990s. He credits a change in water catch rate for lobsters in eastern Maine is similar at productivity, then there’s something going on. It’s a ca- temperature as one of the causative factors. 40 to 60 meters as at more shallow depths. In western nary in the coal mine.” Maine, the catch rate is much higher in shallow waters In Zone A, for example, lobstermen in 2008 landed than at depth. “It’s a strong depth-related catch rate 25 percent of their annual catch from the 3 to 12 mile “When I fi rst started going there. [Western Maine waters] still have a thermocline,” area; 1 percent come from beyond 12 miles. In 2011, 30 off shore, I could fi sh and not see Wilson explained. percent of Zone A landings came from 3 to 12 miles; While the catch is good offshore, lobstermen are a whopping 11 percent come from beyond 12 miles. A another boat all day long. Now beginning to experience the same sort of problems similar pattern is found in Zone D. In 2008, 8 percent there are boats everywhere. You that they encounter in the more crowded inshore areas. of the catch came from the 3 to 12 mile area and 2 per- One Owls Head lobsterman, who asked that his name cent came from beyond 12 miles. By 2011, the percent- wonder where you’re going to set.” not be used, has fi shed offshore since 2005, and said age harvested in the 3 to 12 miles area had increased to that it’s just something he has to deal with. “Everyone 17 percent; the amount caught beyond 12 miles grew Post-larval lobsters drift with the tides and currents, out there loses lots of traps because of disputes over to 7 percent. looking for a place to settle on the bottom. They have territory,” he explained. He lost “a couple hundred The increase in effort in the offshore area is less certain likes and dislikes. These tiny creatures want to traps” last winter due to other lobstermen. dramatic with a less than 1 percent increase in fed- fi nd a nice rocky bottom with lots of niches in which He and other young lobstermen spend the time and eral lobster permits for Area 1 over the past ten years. to hide which also has abundant food fl oating by to the money to fi sh offshore in part because it extends In 2001, there were 1,296 Maine residents with active snack on. But most of all they want a certain degree the time during which they can make money. “In some federal lobster licenses for Area 1, according to Bob of warmth. places where it’s not so good inside, when the best fi sh- Ross, staff at the National Marine Fisheries Service of- In western Maine, the water at the surface is gen- ing is in June or July, it makes sense to go outside,” he fi ce in Gloucester. By 2011, that number had grown to erally warm during the summer months; the water at said. The cost to do that is high: he generally spends 1,306 Maine lobstermen fi shing in Area 1 from a total depth is much cooler. This is called a thermocline, in about $400 in fuel and $500 in bait plus pay to his of 1,793 licenses. A basic tenet of the lobster industry which water is layered or stratifi ed by temperature. In sternman to haul 400 traps offshore on any given day. is that lobstermen go where they can catch lobsters. eastern Maine, by contrast, the water during the sum- What once appeared to be wide open spaces in Percent of catch, by year and zone mer months is generally well mixed and cold from which to set one’s traps has now become something surface to depth. There is no distinct thermocline as much different. “When I fi rst started going offshore, Zone A 0 to 3 3 to 12 12 + Fed in western Maine. Generally those post-larval lob- I could fi sh and not see another boat all day long,” the 2008 65 25 1 10 sters looking for a place to settle on the bottom in Owls Head lobsterman recalled. “Now there are boats western Maine will not pass through the thermo- everywhere. You wonder where you’re going to set.” 2009 62 34 5 0 cline into the cooler depths. Where possible, they More and more Maine lobstermen are going into 2010 57 30 1 12 settle in shallow warm water, at about 45 to 50 foot federal waters to catch lobsters because there are more 2011 58 30 11 1 depth. and more lobsters out there to be caught. The concern, In eastern Maine, post-larval lobsters typically as Wilson sees it, comes from the possibility that such B do not settle, instead delaying development and abundance might change, abruptly. “Eastern Maine 2008 67 17 8 9 drifting with the coastal Maine current westward landings have dramatically increased in the last ten to 2009 50 44 6 0 until they fi nd the warm water they desire. fi fteen years,” he said. “If fi shing is geared for 100 mil- “Now the water in eastern Maine is warmer lion pound landings and then the rug is swept out from 2010 81 13 5 1 [than in the past] and they will settle,” Wilson said. under us, that’s trouble.” 2011 75 10 11 4 “The amount of area for lobsters to expand into in eastern Maine far exceeds what was available in C 2008 68 15 4 13 2009 74 18 7 0 2010 74 11 2 12 Can’t wait for the next issue 2011 66 12 5 18 of the MLA Newsletter?

D 2008 80 8 2 10 'R \RX KDYH ÀVKLQJ SKRWRV \RX ZDQW WR 2009 78 19 3 0 VKDUH" 6WRULHVWRWHOO" 2010 77 20 2 0 2011 72 17 7 5 :DQWWRFDWFKXSRQQHZVDQGLQIRIURP DURXQGWKHUHJLRQ" E 2008 72 4 3 20 2009 76 24 0 0 2010 82 16 2 0 Thank you 2011 78 22 0 0 All Maine, Trap to Table Are yours? F ZZZIDFHERRNFRPPDLQHOREVWHUPHQ ? ?

2008 88 6 2 5 Over 4 million pounds bought in 2011. Only from Maine boats. 2009 76 15 8 0 2010 78 9 2 12 2011 78 7 1 14 Branch Brook Farm G Quality Lobster Traps 2008 66 16 3 15 Complete traps, boxes, or kits. 2009 69 28 3 0 We can build them anyway you want them! 2010 45 35 13 6 Sawmill Lane, Thomaston, ME 04861 2011 63 26 7 4 596-3635 or354-8123 3KRWRE\/RUHQ)DXONLQJKDP Serving you for 25 years! Source: Department of Marine Resources, 2012 20 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION November 2012 So you want to know: What are the details of the lobster marketing proposal?

obstermen still have a number of questions about the Lobster Advisory Coun- Lcil’s $3 million marketing proposal announced in May. So, we asked Bob Baines, chair of the LAC, to answer some of those questions for you.

Whose idea was it to create this marketing proposal in the fi rst place? The idea came from lobstermen serving on the Lobster Advisory Council (LAC) who were frustrated by the lobster price paid to lobstermen at the dock. So, the Lobster Advisory Council formed a subcommittee to focus on ways to better mar- ket Maine lobster. The LAC subcommittee included representatives from the LAC, Maine Lobstermen’s Association, Downeast Lobstermen’s Association and Depart- ment of Marine Resources. The group began meeting in November, 2011, creating “Project Maine Lobster, Build Global Demand,” as the project is now called. What was the LAC’s goal? The LAC’s goal was to create a clear strategy that would boost demand for Maine lobster. There was frustration that despite signifi cant investment in research and reports on lobster marketing in both Maine and Canada, nothing had actually been done and nothing had changed. So, we wanted to review existing recent reports and strategic plans that had been developed for the lobster industry both in Maine and in Canada, as well as review approaches used by other commodity marketing groups. What can lobstermen do to command a better price for their catch? Photo by P.J. Walter proach to address a number of marketing initiatives to strengthen the Maine Lobster Why did you hire a consultant and how much was he paid? brand and begin building more profi table demand for Maine lobster in existing and We knew that we couldn’t do this on our own. We already had a task force, and new global markets. Project Maine Lobster will establish a strong generic marketing nothing happened. John Sauve, president of the Food and Wellness Group based program for Maine Lobster and drive up demand and impact price to the benefi t in Portland, was contracted because of his depth of experience in food marketing, of the entire industry. To do this, the proposal recommends that the existing Maine branding, and product development research. We quickly realized how passionate Lobster Promotion Council be eliminated and a new marketing entity be created he is about the Maine brand and the Maine lobster industry. He is well known for with a robust budget and new structure. This new entity will have four major func- elevating the public perception of Maine wild blueberries from a commodity to tions: product and brand identity, U.S. promotion, overseas promotion, and institu- a super-food loaded with antioxidants. Because he isn’t entrenched in the lobster tional organization. industry, the subcommittee thought he was the right person to give a good, objec- tive review of the industry and create a strategy for moving forward. John worked How much will Project Maine Lobster cost the industry? through a $10,000 contract from November 2011 to June 2012. He went above and The proposed budget is $3 million, which is just under one percent of the value beyond the subcommittee’s expectations in his research and resulting proposal. of Maine’s lobster catch. The budget will be phased in over three years. In the fi rst year it would have a budget of $1 million, $2 million in year two, achieving the fi nal What exactly is “Project Maine Lobster, Build Global Demand”? operating budget of $3 million by year three. Most commodity sectors in the U.S. Project Maine Lobster, Build Global Demand is a business and marketing ap- fund their marketing entities at one percent of the total value of the raw product,

Continued on page 21

New England Marine & Industrial

OR Seaplax TRAP WIRE

Winter Trap Kit Special Buy 100 or more trap kits and receive 10% off our regular prices on trap building supplies. Vents & Cleats Oak and Jungle Wood Runners Hog Rings and Clips Ergo Blocks and Bricks Shrimp Twine Wire Benders Ask your Salesman for Details

Does not Include Trap Wire Rolls, Buoys, Rope or Heads Garbo depends on the hard work and Lowest Prices on Trap Kits, Let Us Quote You stewardship of Maine lobstermen. Worcester Cow Hide Bait We carry Regular and Hairless Bait Call for Special Pricing on both 5 pail purchases and pallet (20 pails) purchases Thank you ! “One week notice needed on pallet purchases”

200 Spaulding Tpke 294 Ocean Street 86 Cemetary Rd Portsmouth, NH Brant Rock, MA Stonington, ME 3RXQG5G‡32%R[‡+DQFRFN0DLQH 603-436-2836 781-834-9301 207-367-2692 ‡SHWHG#JDUEROREVWHUFRP www.newenglandmarine.com November 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 21

So you want to know continued from page 20 which is how we ended up at the $3 million goal. Maine lobstermen currently fund What will the program do in its fi rst year, if passed by the Legislature? the existing Maine Lobster Promotion Council (MLPC) at one-tenth of one percent During the fi rst year, it is proposed that a Board of Directors for the new entity of the total value of the fi shery. With lobster landings at $350 million, the MLPC’s be appointed by the Lobster Advisory Council. The Board then would hire staff budget is $350,000. to carry out marketing efforts in product and brand identity, U.S. promotion, and overseas promotion. Where’s the money going to come from? The current idea for raising the budget is through a license surcharge for lob- Has the lobster industry been consulted about this? stermen, dealers and processors. Lobstermen would pay a different rate depending Yes. The LAC Subcommittee scheduled three meetings along the coast in June on their license class (i.e., a Class I license holder will pay a lower surcharge than a to gauge lobstermen’s interest in moving the proposal forward. John Sauve present- Class III license holder). Though the fee structure has not been established, early ed an overview of Project Maine Lobster at each of these meetings in Yarmouth, projections indicate that the Class I surcharge would be less than $250, Class II less Rockland and Ellsworth. While attendance was only moderate, there was a generally than $500 and Class III less than $750. Some members of the legislature’s Marine favorable response. Following these outreach meetings, the LAC voted to move for- Resources Committee have supported the concept of this proportional structure. ward with the proposal. The next step is for the Department of Marine Resources We had initially explored the idea of placing a surcharge on the volume landed per to draft a bill for review by the LAC. The Legislature will also hold public hearings lobsterman. While this concept had great appeal to many in the industry because and accept comments from the industry before voting on the bill. it would be a proportional fi nance structure, we are unable to use this method due to restrictions imposed from the National Marine Fisheries Service which prohibits If this happens, how will we know that this new program is making a dif- landings data from being used for anything other than management purposes. ference? While the bill is still being drafted, and the Legislature has not yet debated the Who will manage the money? proposal, there have been many discussions around ensuring that the new entity is The money will be managed in the same way that MLPC funds are currently successful in building demand for Maine. Ideas include requiring the new marketing managed. When fi shermen buy their licenses each year, they will pay a marketing entity to submit an annual report which will be public information, hold its annual surcharge as well. The marketing surcharge will be collected by the DMR and then meeting during the Maine Fishermen’s Forum where the Board of Directors would passed on to the new marketing entity. The marketing entity and its Board of Direc- go over the achievements of the past year and outline plans for the year ahead, and tors will be responsible for the use of those funds and will be accountable to the possibly include a sunset provision. lobstering industry.

When is this going to happen? Currently, DMR is drafting a bill that would establish this new marketing entity. If you have other questions, contact Sarah Cotnoir at The bill will contain the details of how the program will be funded, and establish DMR 624-6596 ([email protected]) the scope and make up of the organization. It will specify who can serve on the board of directors, and mechanisms to ensure that this organization operates in a or transparent manner and is accountable to the industry. The bill will go before the Annie Tselikis at MLA 967-4555 Marine Resources Committee and the full legislature in early 2013. If the Legislature approves the bill, the changes will be in place for the 2014 licensing year. ([email protected]).

4th Annual Maine Lobstermen’s Association Photo Contest

RULES FOR SUBMISSION: JUDGES: 3OHDVHHPDLO\RXUHQWULHVZLWK\RXUQDPHÀVKLQJ 3HWHU 5DOVWRQ SKRWRJUDSKHU DQG SURSULHWRU RI port, and home address to Melissa Waterman at WKH5DOVWRQ*DOOHU\LQ5RFNSRUW PHOLVVD#PDLQHOREVWHUPHQRUJ Or you may mail *UHWFKHQ 2JGHQ PDQDJLQJ HGLWRU 0DLQH %RDWV \RXULPDJHVWR0:DWHUPDQ*URYH6W5RFN- +RPHVDQG+DUERUVPDJD]LQH land, ME 04841. We will return them to you at the FORVHRIWKHFRQWHVW

CONTEST RULES: ‡ 6XEPLVVLRQVGXHE\-DQXDU\ ‡ ZLQQHUVDUHQRWHOLJLEOHWRHQWHULQ WKHFRQWHVW 3KRWRE\DFWLRQVKRWZLQQHU

NOTES: ‡ :LQQLQJSKRWRVZLOOEHUHSURGXFHGLQ %ODFNDQG:KLWHQRWLQFRORU ‡ :LQQLQJSKRWRVZLOOEHSULQWHGLQWKH )HEUXDU\LVVXHRIWKH0DLQH/REVWHU- PHQ·V$VVRFLDWLRQQHZVOHWWHU

PHOTO CATEGORIES ‡ People and lobster ‡ Boat 3KRWRE\OREVWHUVKRWZLQQHU-XVWLQ%R\FH ‡ *HDU ‡ 6KLSSLQJDQGKDQGOLQJ ‡ 6FHQLF 3KRWRE\VFHQLFVKRWZLQQHU3DXOD/XQW 22 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION November 2012 In the News Promoting Maine seafood focus of Marianne LaCroix named MLPC Acting study by Coastal Enterprises Inc. Executive Director

Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI) of Wiscasset announced in October that it is After serving as Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council for beginning a two-year feasibility study to identify the best ways to make Maine sea- fi ve years, Dane Somers resigned in October. Marianne LaCroix has been appointed food more widely available to consumers. The study will be done with Wholesome as Acting Executive Director by the Council’s Board of Direc- Wave, a national nonprofi t dedicated to linking local food producers to underserved tors. Marianne will serve in that capacity in the interim period communities. CEI’s Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Program has been until the Maine Legislature weighs a proposal that would cre- working with Wholesome Wave for the past year on a $3 million project from the ate a new lobster marketing entity later this winter. Marianne U.S. Treasury’s Healthy Food Finance Initiative to promote local “food hubs.” By has served as Director of Marketing for the Council for the examining the existing patterns of seafood production, destination and use, CEI past six years. “We appreciate the work Dane Somers has done hopes to propose alternative distribution plans in collaboration with agricultural for the Maine lobster industry and wish him well in his future products. Getting Maine seafood into New England food hubs could generate eco- endeavors,” said Emily Lane, Council Chair. “The lobster in- nomic development for businesses throughout the region. “There is huge potential dustry in Maine is facing many challenges. The Maine Lobster in creating effi ciencies, stabilizing markets and developing new job opportunities Promotion Council is prepared to face these challenges and within the entire distribution system,” Hugh Cowperthwaite, director of CEI’s Fish- move forward with new leadership and positive energy.” eries Project team, said. Former DMR commissioner wins award

Live Lobster properties fi nd eager buyers The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission presented George Lapointe, long-time ASMFC Commissioner and former Maine Commissioner of Marine Re- David Garbo, the owner of Garbo Lobster of Connecticut, purchased the Live sources, the Captain David H. Hart Award, its highest annual award, at the Com- Lobster facility in Gouldsboro at auction in September for $900,000. The purchase mission’s 71st Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “George Lapointe is included 91 acres of land, a large pier, trucks and other related equipment. The without a doubt a true embodiment of Captain Dave. For more than 30 years he property once housed Stinson Sardine cannery, which closed in 2010. Garbo Lob- has provided consistent fi sheries management leadership at the state, interstate, and ster will co-own the plant with East Coast Seafood, a lobster distributor which oper- federal levels; all the while passionately supporting the Commission and its vision ates a processing facility on Deer Isle, New Brunswick and in Nova Scotia. The two of stock rebuilding and sustainable resource management,” stated Jack Travelstead, companies plan to continue lobster processing at the facility. Chair of ASMFC’s Award Committee. “He possesses the unique ability to temper A second property owned by Live Lobster in Stonington was sold to Tony Ra- the most heated debate with humor and a common sense approach transforming mos, owner of Granites of America in Smithfi eld, Rhode Island, for $1.6 million. A confl ict into workable solutions.” The Commission instituted the Award in 1991 to resident of Phippsburg, whose name was not available, bought Live Lobster’s lease recognize individuals who have made outstanding efforts to improve Atlantic coast on a pier in that town at auction for $215,000. marine fi sheries. The award is named for one of the Commission’s longest serving members, who dedicated himself to the advancement and protection of marine fi shery resources. Lapointe was appointed as the Commissioner of Maine Department of Marine Resources in 1998. He served as Commissioner for twelve years. He was well re- spected for his understanding of fi sheries management and his commitment to his state’s fi shing industries and he served at the pleasure of two governors. Lapointe was elected Commission Vice-Chair in 2004 and Chair in 2006, serving three years

as Chair. Under his guidance, the Commission embarked on an extensive strategic planning effort, culminating in the development of the 2009-2013 Strategic Plan. MLA Members’ Discount Directory MLA Members! Present your MLA membership card at the following businesses and receive generous discounts!

Accutech Marine Propeller, Inc National Fisherman Dover, NH -- 20% off propeller repair. Discounts North Hollywood, CA -- Special annual vary by manufacturer for new propellers, shafting subscription rate of $12.95, use J12MLA code for and other hardware. discount. Derelict Gear Recovery takes aim at trap

Applied Refrigeration Services Newcastle Chrysler Dodge-Jeep Windham, ME -- $250 off new installations. Newcastle, ME -- 15% off parts and service. tangles Receive $200.00 additional discount on all new Bessy Bait, LLC and used vehicles. Please bring ad copy in at time Seabrook, NH -- $5 off each barrel on multiple of sale. barrel purchases at the Seabrook NH location with The Gulf of Maine Lobster proof of MLA membership. Nicholas H Walsh, PA Foundation (GOMLF) is looking Portland, ME -- 25% off legal services. Coastal Hydraulics, Inc for direct input from fi shermen Seabrook, NH -- 10% discount on all in-stock North Atlantic Power concerning specifi c locations of items. Exeter, NH -- 10% off service repairs of twin disc transmissions, 15% off any new MGX series. large balls of lost gear. Over the Commercial Fisheries News past three years, the organization Deer Isle, ME -- Discounted annual subscription Penobscot Marine Museum rate for $18.75 with MLA membership noted on Searsport, ME -- Free admission. has worked with fi shermen to check. successfully grapple lost traps and Sea Rose Trap Co. Friendship Trap Company Scarborough, ME -- 5% off trap list price. associated debris (rope, cable, nets). Friendship, ME -- 5% off trap list price on traps It is known, however, that there purchased at the Friendship store. Smithwick & Mariners Insurance Falmouth, ME -- Discounted vessel insurance plus are bundles of gear that are too Harold C Ralph Chevrolet 5% discount with proof of CG approved Drill cumbersome and unmanageable Waldoboro, ME -- 10% off parts and labor. Conductor course within the last 5 years. to handle with a hauler. GOMLF Hews Company SW Boatworks is seeking continued funding to South Portland, ME – 10% off hydraulic Lamonie, ME -- Show MLA card to receive $500.00 components and cable craft cables. discount on a new hull or top. target these specifi c sites which are known to be a hazard to navigation Maine Camp Outfitters Weathervane Seafood Inc. Sunset, ME -- 10% off all apparel and promotional Kittery, ME – 10% of all shipping (mail orders) and and reduce the ability of fi shermen product orders. retail orders to set gear in those areas. The organization seeks the help of lobstermen to

Maine Lobstermen’s Association Wesmac Custom Boats identify those locations . Kennebunk, ME--10% off to harvesters on MLA Surry, ME -- 2% discount on fiberglass To date, GOMLF has managed over fi fty days of At-Sea Derelict Fishing merchandise. components. Gear removal. Fishermen up and down the coast have participated in this effort Maine Maritime Museum Winter Harbor Co-op by volunteering their time to grapple for lost gear and bringing it ashore to be Bath, ME -- Free admission. Winter Harbor, ME -- 10% off fresh picked lobster meat. returned to its owner or properly disposed of. If any lobsterman would like McMillan Offshore Survival Training more information on GOMLF’s recovery efforts or have information on specifi c Belfast, ME -- 10% discount on safety training courses. locations of accumulated gear, please contact Erin Pelletier at 207-985-8088 or [email protected]. November 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 23

Events Calendar

November 5 November 16 Draft Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Report comments due to NOAA Draft Amendment 2 to the Mehhaden Plan comments due to ASMFC. Penobscot East Resource Center licensing meeting, 6-8 p.m., Ellsworth. FMI: 367- USCG approved F/V drill conductor certifi cation course, 8:30 a.m., Belfast. FMI: 2708. John McMillan, 207-233-0787

November 6-7 November 26 NEFMC Herring Advisors & Oversight Committee, Holiday Inn, Peabody, MA Penobscot East Resource Center licensing meeting, 6-8 p.m., Portland. FMI: 367- 2708. November 7 TAA Product Quality and Handling, 1-4 p.m., Border Trust, 2 Main Street, Top- November 27 - 30 sham American Lobster in a Changing Ecosystem: A US-Canadian Symposium, Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland. TAA Lobster Market Overview, 5 – 8 p.m., Border Trust, 2 Main Street, Topsham MLA Directors meeting, 5 p.m., Darby’s Restaurant, Belfast Upcoming November 8 DMR Advisory Council meeting, 1 p.m., Hallowell. December 4 MLA Board of Directors’ meeting, Darby’s restaurant, Belfast. Shellfi sh Advisory Council meeting, 10 a.m., Hallowell. ASMFC Atlantic Menhaden Management Board, Best Western Plus Hotel, Balti- Habitat Mapping: Views of the Maine Seafl oor, 7 p.m., GMRI, Portland. more, MD. Request for Interest on Potential Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Out- er Continental Shelf (OCS) Offshore Maine comments due to BOEM December 8 8:30 am, USCG approved F/V drill conductor certifi cation course, Belfast. FMI: November 9 John McMillan, 207-233-0787 Fishermen’s Northeast Groundfi sh Science Forum, Courtyard Marriott, Ports- mouth, NH. December 10 ASMFC Northern Shrimp Advisory Panel, 1-4 p.m., Holiday Inn by the Bay, Port- Penobscot East Resource Center licensing meeting, 6-8 p.m., Machias. FMI: 367- land. FMI: 800.345.5070. 2708.

November 13 CLASSIFIED TAA Product Quality and Handling, 1 – 4 pm, Peabody Library Community Room, FOR SALE: 2000 INT’L BAIT TRUCK 4900, 33GVW.2 bait coolers: 8’x24’, Jonesport 20,000 lbs., 8’x12’,10,000lbs. Bait barrels included. Forklift. Equipment is in TAA Lobster Market Overview, 5 – 8 pm, Peabody Library Community Room, good shape. Call (207) 283-3494. Jonesport Penobscot East Resource Center licensing meeting, 6-8 p.m., Rockland. FMI: 367- 2708.

November 13 - 14 North Atlantic Right Whale consortium Annual Meeting, New Bedford Whaling Museum.

November 13 - 15 New England Fishery Management Council, Newport Marriott, Newport, Rhode Island.

Th e Bait Report 2012 Herring Catch and Quota

Area Quota % of quota 2012 quota 2011 quota (as of 10/20)

Area 1A 20,662 76 24,668 26,251

Area 1B 4,121 151 2,723 4,362

Area 2 21,073 95% 22,146 22,146

Area 3 39,103 103% 38,146 38,146

Total 84,958 94% 87,388 90,700

Data from the NMFS Weekly Atlantic Herring report. Effective February 24, 2012, NMFS reduced the 2012 sub-ACLs (annual catch limit) in Areas 1A and 1B to account for overages in those areas in 2010. Therefore, the sub-ACL for Area 1A is 24,668 mt (reduced from 26,546 mt) and the sub-ACL for Area 1B is 2,723 mt (reduced from 4,362 mt) for the 2012 fi shing year. IVR data are compared to federal and state dealer data each week and dealer reports are used to supplement the IVR when necessary. These supplements include data from non-federally permitted inshore fi sheries when provided by state agencies or from other sources. 24 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION November 2012 Maine Lobstermen’s Association Board of Directors: Jack Young, Vinalhaven& Brian McLain, New Harbor

y Sarah Paquette really going on with the MLA and the industry. B “Not everyone will agree with the decisions we Jack Young, 57, hasn’t always been a Vinal- make, but if people want to stay in business in haven lobsterman. “I graduated here in 1973 the future they should stand behind the MLA,” then joined the Marines for a few years dur- said Young. ing the Vietnam era. Then I worked in New New Harbor lobsterman Brian McLain, 59, York for awhile before deciding I wanted to has also taken calls from people upset about fi sh. I started lobstering full-time, on my own, industry changes. “MLA gets the blame no in 1978,” said the fourth generation lobster- matter what, it seems, but there is a lot of man. “I have three step-kids and three biologi- good stuff happening [because of the MLA],” cal kids, but they are all in school still and only McLain said. “Patrice does so much for all of go out with me in the summer. I’m not sure if us and has really turned it around. I’ve never they’ll end up fi shing full time or not.” He tells met someone who can handle as much as she them he didn’t think he wanted to be a lob- does.” sterman when he was in high school, but that McLain, who joined the MLA Board in changed when he was in the Marines, away 1984 with former director Ed Blackmore’s from home. Jack Young on a good lobstering day. encouragement, has done much for the asso- Brian McLain at the Boston Seafood Ensuring a healthy industry for the next Photo courtesy of Jack Young. ciation. In the 1980’s, McLain spent a lot of Show, March 2012. Photo by Annie generation is important to Young, whether his time working with scientists, pioneering what Tselikis. children decide to lobster or not. “We need to work together to make sure the is now known as collaborative research. And younger generation has the skills and knowledge and ability to enter the industry.” he worked to secure a stable future for MLA. “I got the building up in Nobleboro. He said he is proud to be an MLA board member and to work with such a great I did as much work on that as if it were my own house,” he commented. “I’ve re- group of lobstermen who are knowledgeable and dedicated to the industry and ally enjoyed my time with the MLA. I like to know what is going on and prefer to work hard both for future generations as well as the older generation getting ready fi nd out by talking face-to-face with people. I don’t know why more people aren’t to leave lobstering. “They really do the best they can. And David [Cousens] works members of MLA so they can fi nd out what’s going on fi rsthand,” he said. really hard, putting in a lot of time and money into this industry. He takes a lot of He strongly believes that every lobsterman in the state needs to work with the fl ak from people, but I always stand up for him. We’re all doing the best we can,” MLA to get out of the current lobster crisis. “We need to get at least two-thirds Young said. of the lobstermen to be MLA members. And I’d love to see the younger guys get Young met Cousens in 1988 while both were fi ghting against a Norwegian involved. It’s a tradition in small towns and would be sad to see it come to an end,” salmon farm entering Penobscot Bay. “We met at a meeting on the island and said the fourth generation lobsterman. “I’ve been fi shing full time since 1973. I became good friends. He asked me if I would be interested in joining the MLA used to do everything, was really involved. We need more people to get involved Board of Directors. I’ve been on the board since 1988 and hope to be a dedicated to make a difference.” member for the rest of my life,” Young said. People often come to him with questions about information they’ve heard second-hand, wanting to know what is

TASTE THE ORION ORION DIFFERENCE! THANK YOU, MAINE FISHERMEN!

KNOWN FOR OUR: PROUDLY OFFERING: Service Integrity Lobster (Meat, King Crab Value Freshness Tails & Whole) Rock Crab Quality Traceability Snow Crab Shrimp

All the items we sell are frozen.

Orion Seafood International | 20 Ladd St, Third Floor | Portsmouth, NH 03801 | (603) 433-2220 | www.orionseafood.com