May 2016 | Vol. 24, No. 5

MLA BIDS FAREWELL TO A LONG-TIME LEADER AND FRIEND

By MLA staff But White always wanted to lobster again. Th e time came when he could Pat White was a dedicated man. return to the water, lobstering full-time White, who passed away in April at from York. He joined the MLA. MLA age 76 while vacationing in Florida, president Ed Blackmore soon asked was dedicated to his wife, Enid, his White if he would serve on the organi- three children, and for twenty years, to zation’s board. Once an MLA board the Lobstermen’s Association member, White found that the Maine (MLA), where he served as executive lobster fi shery was a whole lot more director from 1992 to 2002 and as chief complicated on land than it was on the executive offi cer and Board member water. When Ed Blackmore stepped until 2010. “He was pretty forceful. He down as president in 1992, David would smile and shake your hand and Cousens became president and White laugh but when he wanted to get some- became the MLA’s fi rst executive direc- thing resolved, he was persistent,” said tor. David Cousens, MLA president. At that time, the lobster fi shery was White did many things during the managed by the New England Fisheries course of his life. Born in Salem, Management Council (NEFMC). Th e Massachusetts, he began lobstering at Council wanted to increase the legal 16. He later joined the Peace Corps and Pat and Enid White. Photo courtesy of the ASMFC. size at which a lobster could be har- was assigned to the West African coun- vested in order to protect what they try of Togo, where he worked with fi shermen and met his future wife, Enid considered a vulnerable stock. White and the MLA board fought against the Wardwell of Castine. Th ey returned to Maine and married in 1962. At fi rst White proposed gauge increase. worked as a traveling ski salesman based in Conway, New Hampshire. Th en he became the manager of the Mt. Agamenticus ski slopes in York. Eventually He was asked to co-chair the Lobster Industry Working Group established by White and his wife bought a farm and garden center which they ran together the NEFMC. White argued convincingly that the lobster fi shery was primarily for 15 years. Continued on page 21 Maine Lobster Cooperatives Maine coops working for Maine lobstermen. Proud sponsors of Landings.

“A PAT ON THE BACK Page 2 AND A KISS!” COASTAL OUTLOOK Th oughts from the MLCA president

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U.S. Postage Paid Postage U.S. Portland, ME 04101 PRST STD 454 No. Permit GUEST COLUMN: DMR foresees new role in lobster science

Page 4 GUEST COLUMN: P.E.I. Lobster Marketing Board takes shape

Page 5 IMPORTANT HERRING WORKSHOP IN MAY

Pages 7-11 NEWS FROM THE MLA According to veterinarian Jean Lavallée, it doesn’t take much eff ort to keep lobsters healthy and the price up. Page 16 MLA photo. HEALTH INSURANCE Preventive services are free By Melissa Waterman Page 19 Th e Lobster Quality Tour 2016, organized by the Maine Lobstermen’s PORT LOBSTER Association and the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance, CHANGES HANDS brought Prince Edward Island lobster veterinarian Jean Lavallée to more than 200 lobstermen along the Maine coast during one week Page 22 in April. Lavallée spoke in each of the state’s seven lobster zones IN THE NEWS Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance Community Lobstermen’s Maine 315 Box P.O. ME 04043 Kennebunk, Continued on page 20 Page 2 | LANDINGS | May 2016

President’s COASTAL OUTLOOK Th oughts from MLCA President Patrice McCarron NOTES

During his fi rst presidential campaign, Bill Clinton fa- ting phase, in an eff ort to keep the industry informed and mously said “It’s all about the economy.” Here in Maine lob- to solicit feedback on potential impacts. stermen are learning to say, “It’s all about the quality.” Later this month the New England Fisheries Management Maintaining the well-being of a lobster at every stage of its Council will hold an important public meeting, on May 16 Board of Directors journey from the trap to the wharf and the fi nal consumer and 17 in Portland, devoted to discussing new ways to de- David Cousens, Chairman is key to ensuring that Maine lobster is known for consist- termine how much herring can be caught in any given year. ently high quality and Maine lobstermen get the best price At the root of the meeting is the complex question of how James Dow, Vice Chairman possible for their catches. Keeping a lobster — both hard- to ensure that there are enough herring left in the ocean for and soft-shell — lively is not that complicated, as lobster the many species that eat the fi sh as prey while meeting the Elliott Th omas, Treasurer veterinarian Jean Lavallée pointed out during his presenta- needs of lobstermen who rely on the fi sh as bait. Landings William Brennan tions along the coast in late April. Landings features a sum- provides an overview of the purpose of the meeting and mary of his informative talks in this issue. the Council’s new Management Strategy Evaluation ap- Amy Lent Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick proach designed to elicit public input at an early stage. Keliher highlights his agency’s Lobstermen and other fi sh- Kristan Porter responsibility for maintaining ermen generally make sure Staff the health of the state’s many that they and their boat are marine species and the eco- safe on the water, but trag- President: nomic health of Maine’s fi sh- edies do happen. To help fi sh- Patrice McCarron ermen. Lobster landings make ing families and fi shing com- Landings Editor: up the majority of the state’s munities be better prepared Melissa Waterman landed value, causing many for such traumatic events, a coastal communities to be- new manual called RESCUES Executive Assistant: come dependent on that fi sh- (Responding to Emergencies Sarah Paquette ery for their economic vitality. at Sea and to Communities Keliher explains that the DMR under Extreme Stress) was Landings is published monthly. is rethinking its role in lobster created through a collabora- It is provided for free to all science and monitoring to en- tion of Massachusetts organi- Main e lobst erm en thank s to th e hance the agency’s ability to zations. Th e manual outlines support of newsletter sponsors. foresee any changes that may what measures can be taken at Th is month’s edition is sponsored be on the distant horizon. the personal and community by the Vinalhaven Fishermen’s, levels to ensure that help and Spruce Head Fishermen’s, Ston- We also hear this month from recovery are accessed as soon ington Lobstermen’s, and Swan’s Charlie McGeoghegan, chair as possible. Ann Backus, one of Island Fishermen’s Cooperatives. of Prince Edward Island’s (PEI) new Lobster Marketing the manual’s co-authors, takes Board. Th e board was formed us through RESCUES chapter this spring to oversee devel- by chapter. Get noticed in opment of a marketing plan Alisha Keezer, the MLA health for PEI’s lobsters. Th eir eff orts insurance Navigator, contin- LANDINGS! will be funded by the fi rst one- ues her look at the features of cent-per-pound-levy on lob- Stonington dinghies lie ready for the upcoming the Aff ordable Care Act (ACA) 2015 Advertising Rates sters paid by lobstermen and lobstering season. MLA photo. and health insurance options. lobster processors on the is- Her topic in Landings this Full page (10 x 14.65 inches) $945 land. Th e levy was long in the month is preventive health making and McGeoghegan tells us about his board’s hopes care services that are included in all ACA health insurance Half page (10 x 7.35 inches) $500 for the future. plans and how to take advantage of them. Quarter page (4.9 x 7.35 inches) $280 On a diff erent note entirely, businessman Stephen Conant Finally in this issue Landings says good-bye to Pat White, writes about a new undersea electrical cable being pro- former head of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association and Eighth page (4.9 x 3.5 inches) $165 posed off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire. Th e the Lobster Foundation. Pat wore many hats Business Card (3.5 x 2 inches) $55 Maine Green Line project would carry up to 1200 mega- during his life, moving easily among lobstermen, bureau- watts of electricity from northern Maine to areas in highly crats and scientists. He made many things happen, for the Color ads are an additional $75. Discount for populated southern New England. Th e high-voltage direct- MLA, for the state and for his friends. We bid him farewell multi-month commitment. current cables would run 220 miles from and following seas. He will be deeply missed. to Massachusetts. Conant off ers a clear description of this Th e advertising deadline is the project, which currently is in its initial design and permit- second Monday of each month. Please contact Melissa Waterman ([email protected] or 967-6221) for more information. MLCA fosters thriving coastal communities and preserves Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance Maine’s lobstering heritage P.O. Box 315 Kennebunk, ME 04043 Send your support to: 207-967-6221 Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance | P.O. Box 315 | Kennebunk, Maine | 04043 | www.mlcalliance.org www.mlcalliance.org The MLCA invites you to support Maine’s Name lobster industry. Donations of $25 or more include a subscription to Landings. Address MLCAlliance is a 501 (c) (3) non- City, State, Zip Donation $ profi t organization, established in † Email Please note amount. Check or credit card 2010, which achieves its charita- accepted. Phone ble mission through programs in Credit Card # education, research and charity. MLCA is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charitable organization. Expiration Security Code May 2016 | LANDINGS | Page 3

Guest COLUMN GUEST COLUMN: DMR to take stronger role in lobster science

By Patrick Keliher sters settling in deeper water? What Commissioner, Maine Department of Marine Resources is the connection between the Gulf of Times are good in Maine’s lobster industry and the future looks bright. But it is Maine and Georges Bank? What re- important that we keep an eye on the horizon to make sure we can sustain this search work is necessary in a chang- vital fi shery for future generations. ing environment? With the blessing of Governor LePage, I have directed Carl While we continue to see signs of a strong lobster resource in the Gulf of Maine, Wilson, director of the Marine Science we’re monitoring the population closely to prepare for potential changes. As Bureau, to develop a staffi ng plan and I’ve said before, the best time to prepare for the future is when times are good. budget which I will act on early this For this reason DMR will be working on our own Maine lobster fi shery man- summer. And in case you are wonder- agement plan to guide us through change in the future. Although State fi shery ing how we can aff ord it, we will be management plans do not have the weight of law or regulation, they will be a able to fund this from existing lobster useful tool when the time for change comes along. resources without increasing license or Th e annual settlement survey — the only assessment of newly settled young tag fees. of the year lobsters — has shown a decline in recent years. However, while As for this season, although the Gulf the survey is conducted at more than 100 sites between Rhode Island and of Maine continues to be warm we are Commissioner Keliher. DMR photo. Newfoundland, it does not account for potential changes in habitat that could cautiously optimistic that we will not result in settlement shifting to deeper water. Additional deep-water stations see a repeat of 2012. While it is impos- might be added at Downeast sites in 2016 to address this question. sible to predict the timing of the shed, it is our hope that it will have little impact Juvenile catch has remained relatively high since 2012 as observed in the on the markets in 2016. As a board member of the Maine Lobster Marketing ventless trap survey, the lobster sea sampling program and the inshore trawl Collaborative, I am pleased with the work of Matt Jacobson and consultants survey. We will continue to focus on those programs to ensure that we have a Weber Shandwick, and with the eff orts of Maine’s processors to prepare for the clear picture of the status of the lobster population at all life stages. Combined seasonal challenges of market demand, supply, and processing capacity. with the settlement survey, these monitoring eff orts provide important tools We are enjoying a period of historic abundance and value in the Maine lobster for managers and industry to predict and prepare for the future of the lobster fi shery. Recent law changes will ensure opportunity for current and future lob- fi shery. stermen to participate in this lucrative industry and will provide much-needed DMR will also be taking on a stronger role with research related to this key- support and recognition for the critical role the Marine Patrol plays in protect- stone fi shery. I recently briefed Governor LePage on signs in the settlement ing Maine’s lobster resource. and ventless trap surveys that merit focus and I highlighted issues associated While times are good and the foreseeable future appears bright, we must not with the ever-changing environment in the Gulf of Maine. I laid out a concept ignore the indicators that give us a look at a future horizon. Paying attention that would increase our staffi ng level and move the role of the DMR Science to those indicators is how we can sustain this industry that is so vital to our Bureau beyond monitoring and assessing the stock to direct research. coastal economy and heritage. Th rough this approach, DMR will be addressing some of the key management I wish you all a safe and prosperous year as you prepare to set over for the sea- questions before us, directly and in coordination with our partners. Are lob- son or start to shift gear in preparation for the summer harvest.

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Guest COLUMN GUEST COLUMN: Prince Edward Island Lobster Marketing Board sets sail

By Charlie McGeoghegan PEI Lobster Marketing Board Chair Let the lines go! We are charting a new course in marketing waters. Prince Edward Island fi shers have the fi rst Lobster Marketing Board in Canada, and it’s in place for the 2016 season. Th e Board of twelve represents fi shers from North Lake to Seacow Pond on the north side, and Souris to Skinners Pond on the south side, along with all harbors in between. Th is is all new to us here, and the Board is proceeding carefully, as we have a lot to learn and we want to make informed decisions in regards to promoting our great resource. What is our goal? It’s simple: to put more dollars in the hands of every fi sher- man and woman on PEI. While we have ideas on how to go forward, our ultimate goal is to return profi t and pride to our industry once again. We need to add value to the supply chain, open new markets, help increase sales in current markets, and tell the PEI sto- ry. After all, both live shippers and processors know that our quality is second to none. When the ice clears and our boats hit the water, our lobsters have amazing protein levels and meat yield from 28 - 38%. Th is is a good thing, and Charlie McGeoghegan, shown here with his children and a very large lobster, is consumers need to know it. the chair of the newly formed PEI Lobster Marketing Board. Photo courtesy of C. Th ree years ago, the whole southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence lobster fl eet (3000 McGeoghegan. boats strong) went on strike, tying their boats to the dock in protest of shore prices that had dropped from $5.50 per pound for canner size and $6.50 per In the middle of this supply chain are about four to fi ve other sets of hands be- pound for market size six years earlier to $2.75 for canners and $3.25 for market fore a lobster gets to the restaurant. None of those took the hit that the fi shers size in 2013. Th at’s a 50% drop in price! All the while fuel continued to increase did. In some cases there are too many hands in the pie; that’s what the industry in cost as did bait, traps, supplies, maintenance, equipment, boats, engines, needs to fi nd out. gear, pickup trucks, etc. It doesn’t take much of an accountant to tell you that Th is is a multi-billion-dollar industry in North America, however, the people you cannot keep doing this. Th e math is NOT there. who risk their lives in all kinds of weather conditions in both Canada and the Can you think of fi ve products that have gone down 50% in value over that U.S. are not receiving a fair return for the eff ort they put in to bring the raw same time frame? Now narrow that to fi ve food products. product to the dock. Th is has to change. And it was interesting that the cost to the consumer dropped very little on A few years ago, Maine lobstermen and their legislature realized that enough live product and little to none in the restaurants during the same period. was enough and decided to collect a levy to start marketing lobster at the Restaurants received $35-$50 (Canadian) for a one-pound lobster on a plate ground level. We take our hats off to them for getting this started. Keep up the when the price was $6.50 per pound to fi shers and the same when it was $3.25 good work! to fi shers. In Canada, various governments — mostly federal — have invested in lobster and seafood marketing over the years. However, most of the results of those ef- forts have not made it to sea level. Th e fi shers saw little or no benefi t on their end. So here we are trying to make a diff erence again. Th is new levy for PEI fi shers was birthed from the lobster strike in 2013. Th e Maritime Provinces’ lobster New England Marine & Industrial panel was formed by the provincial and federal governments at that time. Th ey went on a Maritime-wide road show, collecting data and meeting with fi shers, buyers, dealers, and processors to get their take on the situation. When they were done, they wrote a report on the state of the lobster industry and made TRAP WIRE recommendations. While fi shers on PEI did not agree with all of the report’s fi ndings, there were some that they did agree on. One was to collect a one cent levy from all lobster fi shers in Atlantic Canada and all fi rst point-of-sale lobster Order Early buyers to be used for marketing lobster. In early 2014, the PEI Fisherman’s Association (PEIFA) was ready to send out Don’t miss out on your trap kit an information package and a ballot to see what the majority of island fi shers orders for the of Fall 2015 or Spring wanted to do. Th e neighboring provinces were not ready to do this so PEI was 2016. Lead time on orders is get- Continued on page 18 ting longer. Get your orders in early to assure a timely delivery. Vents & Cleats Oak and PT Runners Hog Rings and Clips Ergo Blocks and Bricks Shrimp Twine Wire Benders Ask your Salesman for Details

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Prince Edward Island lobstermen became the fi rst in the Maritime provinces to agree to a levy on their catches in order to fund a marketing program. Photo courtesy of C. McGeoghegan. May 2016 | LANDINGS | Page 5

CALLING ALL LOBSTERMEN! HERRING WORKSHOP IN MAY

By Melissa Waterman hance public input and technical approach, there is more opportunity ing of herring negatively aff ects their evaluation of alternatives much ear- for public input in developing alter- livelihoods. Herring fi shermen want It’s hard being an Atlantic herring. lier in the Council process. “It’s a tool natives,” Feeney said. to see changes that will allow them a Lobstermen want you as bait for that has been used across the coun- A trained facilitator from outside higher bycatch of haddock, which are their traps. Large marine animals, try to better identify objectives and often found around herring schools, like tuna and whales, want you for New England will conduct the two- how various options may perform day meeting. Th at person will explain in order to keep fi shing for herring. dinner. And many others want you against those objectives,” said Rachel for their own ends, whether that be the workshop’s goals and help par- Feeney emphasizes that the May Feeney, interim NEFMC herring plan ticipants set the ground rules for the workshop will focus on issues sur- recreational fi shermen or large-scale development team chairman. bait companies. Balancing all these meeting. After gathering as a large rounding the appropriate control diff erent consumers is the task of the group for brief scientifi c and techni- rule, not localized depletion or had- New England Fisheries Management “What do we want the cal presentations, the participants dock bycatch. Th e discussion will Council (NEFMC), which will be acceptable biological will move into smaller work groups concentrate on how precautionary holding a public meeting on the top- to discuss the issues relating to the the Council should be when it comes ic on May 16 and 17 at the Holiday catch control rule to herring fi shery. Each group will have to restricting herring fi shing to ac- Inn by the Bay in Portland. its own facilitator. “It’s important count for the needs of the ecosystem. accomplish?” that everyone be heard,” Feeney said. “What do we want the acceptable bi- During its January 2015 meeting, By the end of the workshop partici- the Council initiated Amendment ological catch control rule to accom- pants will have identifi ed an array of plish? Do we want to maintain catch 8 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Typically in creating a fi sheries man- objectives and approaches for setting Management Plan. Th e goals of at a certain level across the years? agement plan amendment, after the the acceptable biological catch. “It’s How might we account for herring’s Amendment 8 are to account for the Council sets the amendment’s goals, OK for the workshop participants role of Atlantic herring within the role in the ecosystem? What sort of it then moves directly into creation of to have confl icting objectives for a buff er do we want to have in place? ecosystem, including its role as a for- alternatives to achieve those goals. the control rule,” Feeney added. “We age fi sh; to stabilize the fi shery at a Th ose are some of the questions we’ll After a range of possible alternatives want to evaluate a range. We don’t discuss at the workshop,” Feeney said. level designed to achieve Optimum is approved, a Plan Development need consensus.” Yield; and to address localized de- Team evaluates each alternative in The results of the workshop will be pletion of herring stocks in inshore Consensus might be hard to achieve. reviewed by the Herring Committee terms of socioeconomic, environ- Herring management brings out waters. To achieve those goals, the mental and other impacts. Th e result- and Council in June before a technical Amendment will include considera- pointed opinions from many quar- evaluation and modelling of control ing draft impact statement returns to ters. Mid-water trawlers and purse tion of new strategies for setting future the Council for consideration, and rules relative to objectives. Th ose re- acceptable biological catches (ABCs) seiners each accuse the other of caus- sults are expected to be made public the Council approves the impact ing “localized depletion” of herring for herring. Th e ABC dictates the an- statement and chooses alternatives. in early fall. nual quota in the herring fi shery. stocks. Localized depletion means a Th e chosen alternatives go out for sharp reduction in the amount of her- Th e May 16-17 Herring Workshop is Unlike in the past, the Council de- public comment, the Council reviews ring in an area as a result of intensive open to all but preregistration by May 9 cided in January 2016 to take a new those comments, amends its prefer- fi shing. Th ose who operate recrea- is requested. For more information or to approach to the Amendment’s de- ences as it deems necessary, and then tional fi shing businesses, particularly register, go to www.nefmc.org/calendar/ velopment. It will use a Management forwards the amendment to NOAA tuna boats, argue that overharvest- may-16-17-2016-herring-workshop. Strategy Evaluation (MSE) to en- for fi nal approval. “Th rough the MSE

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Guest COLUMN GUEST COLUMN: New underwater cable proposed for Gulf of Maine

By Stephen Conant projects is important. Th e Maine Green Like many of you, I attended the 2016 Maine Fishermen’s Forum in Rockland. Line team is one of the most experi- A recurrent theme this year was the warming waters in the Gulf of Maine and enced submarine HVDC development the impact this is having on the state’s critically important fi shing industries. teams in the world. Our experience In one session, I learned that Maine’s waters are warming faster than almost all includes the Neptune and Hudson other water bodies around the world. Th e eff ects are already impacting Rhode Transmission projects in the north- Island and Massachusetts, where lobster catches are down and shell disease is eastern U.S. (see sidebar), as well as six increasingly common. In Maine, southern species not previously prominent, projects led by National Grid, fi ve in the such as blue crabs and black sea bass, are increasingly common. U.K. and one in Australia. Anbaric and Cianbro were part of the development My company, Green Line Devco, is working on a project called the Maine Green team that fi nanced and built Neptune, Line, a high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) submarine electric transmission along with PowerBridge which operates cable. Th e project will transmit up to 1200 megawatts (MWs) of low carbon the Neptune and Hudson HVDC pro- electrical energy from northern Maine and eastern Canada to southern New jects in New Jersey and New York. England. Th e project will help the region make the transition to cleaner electric energy supplies with less impact on our climate – but because the project will Firsthand knowledge is equally impor- run through areas in “your backyard,” we are reaching out early to fi shermen tant in engaging local communities that with more detailed information about the project. could be aff ected by these systems. For Stephen Conant is President of many months, members of our develop- Green Line Devco, LLC, where We plan to bury two 320 kilovolt (kV) direct-current cables bundled to- ment team have met with representa- he leads the development of gether 220 miles across the Gulf of Maine from Penobscot Bay to Plymouth, tives of Maine’s fi shing, environmental, Massachusetts. One of the bundle’s two cables is positively charged, the other Anbaric’s Maine Green Line pro- political and regulatory communities ject. Photo courtesy of S. Conant. is negatively charged. Th e central conductor of each cable is surrounded by a to introduce the Maine Green Line. Th e layer of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) to act as a dielectric insulation which purpose: to listen to concerns about po- also serves to absorb heat. Around that is a layer of lead, steel cable, and other tential impacts prior to a formal permitting process, especially from those whose armoring to shield emissions and protect the cable. Each conductor is roughly fi shing areas we will traverse. the diameter of a standard DVD. Th e feedback is helping us to design a project that minimizes impacts by ana- About 25 miles of cable can be loaded aboard a cable-laying vessel. Th e cable lyzing alternative routes, appropriate times of the year for construction, and will be installed four to six feet beneath the ocean fl oor at a rate of about one- other environmental factors. Such experience has proven useful in other pro- half to one mile per day, primarily by means of a jet plow. Th is is a technique jects, especially in the U.K. where the fi shing community has seen projects con- where soft bottom material is displaced by plowshare, aided by a jet of water, for structed and operated without incident. We’ll use that cross-Atlantic experi- a period long enough to position the cable at the required burial depth while the ence in developing the Maine Green Line by creating opportunities for local plow is towed along by the cable-laying vessel. Th e sediment then settles over fi shermen to talk to North Sea fi shermen. the installed cable. In areas where the cable cannot be buried, it will be covered with protective matting. I’d like to claim that the Maine Green Line alone will end the problems con- nected to warmer water temperatures in the Gulf of Maine – it won’t – but it’s Since the two cables (positive and negative) are bundled together, any electro- a step toward ending the dependency of our electric system on fossil fuels and magnetic fi eld eff ects are minimized to values lower than the natural back- the associated impacts of climate change. I look forward to working with eve- ground of Earth’s magnetic fi eld. At least one year prior to installation, a survey ryone in the years ahead on a project that can do its part in preserving a fi shing vessel will traverse the planned cable corridor using side scan radar to determine industry in Maine. bottom conditions and the least disruptive path. Once the cable is buried, the cor- ridor will be charted by the National Ocean Service and there will be no restriction For more information, visit our web site at www.mainegreenline.com. Representatives on lobstering, dragging or any other fi shing activity over the cable. Prior to and are also available to meet with groups, or one-on-one, to discuss the project. during installation, the Maine Green Line team will coordinate with all mariners to design an installation schedule that avoids interference as much as possible. Th e Neptune Project is a HVDC undersea and underground power cable Just as cables have connected Maine islands to the mainland for decades, the that links the PJM grid to New York and serves the Long Island Power installation and operation of submarine HVDC cables isn’t new. Th e fi rst was Authority (LIPA) with 660 MW of power. Th e cable runs approximately 65 installed in 1954 between the island of Gotland and the Swedish mainland. Th e miles between Sayreville, New Jersey, and New Cassel (North Hempstead) fi rst in the U.S. began operation in 2003 between Long Island and Connecticut. on Long Island. It was developed, permitted, fi nanced, and constructed Today, more than 25 HVDC cables operate in countries around the globe. In and is now operating as the Neptune Regional Transmission System the North Sea and Baltic Sea, six new HVDC submarine projects are proposed (Neptune RTS). or are under construction. Th e Hudson Transmission Project is a 660 MW electric transmission link No two HVDC projects are the same. Th ey range in size from the 100 kV Gotland between New York City and the PJM Interconnection. Its main purpose is project that transmitted 20 MWs in 1954 to the 525 kV, 1400 MW project that to provide a new source of electric power for New York City customers as will connect Norway with the U.K. via a 438-mile submarine cable. In 2001, an well as signifi cant upgrades and reinforcements to the transmission sys- HVDC cable was installed between Greece and Italy across the Adriatic Sea at tem in New Jersey. Th e Hudson transmission line is entirely underground a water depth of 3,300 feet. and underwater, using back-to-back high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) Experience in developing, installing and operating complex submarine HVDC technology and an AC tie across the Hudson River.

Keep your traps fishing even when you can’t get to ‘em! All Natural Salted Hairless Cowhide LONG-LASTING and AFFORDABLE LOBSTER BAIT Available in 30 gal. drums or 5 gal. pailss 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 Please call for HOURS and PRICING! Bessy Bait is also sold at all Brooks Trap Mill locations. Maine Labeling May 2016 | LANDINGS | Page 7

MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION UPDATE

Maine Lobstermen’s STEAMING AHEAD Association ••• I was sad to learn that Pat White passed away on April 15 one at ease. If Pat was around, you had the sense that eve- while vacationing in Florida. Actually, I was shocked to rything would be OK. He made everyone feel like they mat- Advocating for a hear the news. Like so many in the lobster industry, I saw tered and that they belonged. sustainable lobster resource Pat recently at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum in March, Th at was certainly the case with me. Pat invited me to and the fi shermen and ever fun-loving and full of the brightness and energy that come work for the MLA way back in 2000. One might ex- communities that depend made him who he was. pect a Massachusetts girl with no fi shing background to be on it since 1954. I met Pat back in 1998 when I began working for the New a bit apprehensive about taking on such a challenge. Th at England Aquarium. I worked closely with him to organ- was certainly partly true. But with Pat as my mentor, I just ize the International Lobster Summit as part of the Maine knew that this was where I belonged. Fishermen’s Forum. Th rough Pat, I got to know many peo- True to his generation, Pat was old school. Back when President: David Cousens ple in the Maine lobster industry. I quickly realized that I I started, he wasn’t using a computer and most of what So. Th omaston, 594-7518 had almost instant credibility because I was with Pat. he managed was either in his head, or neatly fi led away 1st VP: Jim Dow By the time I met him, he and David Cousens had already somewhere in his offi ce by his wife Enid. Lobstering, fi sh- Bass Harbor, 288-9846 led the lobster fi shery through some very formative, but eries management and dealing with people came natural 2nd VP: Kristan Porter diffi cult, times. In his early tenure with the MLA, Pat saw to Pat. It was intuitive and not something you would fi nd Cutler, 259-3306 the organization through many challenges. Signifi cantly, in a training manual. My training for the job was pretty Sec/Treasurer: Arnold Gamage, Jr. he got the MLA back on its feet fi - straightforward. We sat down and So. Bristol, 644-8110 nancially, and then he and Cousens hhe went through his little black book held the organization together after oof contacts. He talked through who Directors losing Ruth Lane, the MLA’s long- eeveryone was and how the MLA Bob Baines, Spruce Head, 596-0177 time executive assistant. wworked with them. He handed that Dwight Carver, Beals, 497-2895 bbook off to me, and that was that. Herman Coombs, Orr’s Island, 807-8596 With the organization on its feet, Pat IIn his mind, I was ready for the job! Gerry Cushman, Port Clyde, 372-6429 took on the enormous task of con- HHe actually had bought a new black Dustin Delano, Monhegan, 542-7241 vincing bureaucrats to move lobster bbook for himself in which he care- Robert Ingalls, Bucks Harbor, 255-3418 management from the New England Mark Jones, Boothbay, 633-6054 Fisheries Management Council — fufully transcribed all his contacts. Jason Joyce, Swan’s Island, 526-4109 which wanted to implement gauge OOver the years, I observed him fi ght- Jack Merrill, Islesford, 244-4187 increases and large trap cuts — ining for the lobster industry in a va- Tad Miller, Matinicus, 372-6941 over to the Atlantic States Marine rriety of arenas. He was strong and Willis Spear, Yarmouth, 846-9279 Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). As ppersuasive, but always a gentleman Jay Smith, Nobleboro, 563-5208 part of that struggle, he and Cousens aand always professional. No matter Craig Stewart, Long Island, 829-2109 worked with Senator Snowe to get wwhat the issue was, Pat was able to John Tripp, Spruce Head, 691-9744 the fi rst limits in place on landing dragger-caught lobster. see the big picture and focus on what mattered most to Chris Welch, Kennebunk, 205-2093 It would be impossible to measure the conservation im- lobstermen. He was a strong leader with strong ideas, yet John Williams, Stonington, 367-2731 pact that action alone has had on our resource, given the he always had time to stop and listen to fi shermen and Donald Young, Cushing, 354-6404 decline of the groundfi sh industry since then. seek a compromise that would work for them. It seemed As the ASMFC plan took shape, Pat and Dave earned their that wherever we would go, everyone knew, loved and re- Staff stripes as industry leaders, advocating for an 800 trap limit spected Pat. ••• and an increase in the vent size as necessary compromises I am blessed to have worked so closely with Pat for many Executive Director to avoid severe trap reductions and gauge increases. Th ese years. He was my boss, my mentor and my friend. He was Patrice McCarron [email protected] measures were extremely controversial at the time and the a genuinely thoughtful and caring person and a great role MLA lost a lot of members over it – especially those infuri- model. I watched him move seamlessly from being a de- Navigator ated by the vent size increase. Pat stuck to his guns and voted family man, so proud of his wife, kids, grandchildren Alisha Keezer stood out as a true leader. and dogs, to an industry leader and staunch supporter of [email protected] He was really good at that. Pat was one of those special Maine lobstermen, to a friend to so many. Pat truly under- Membership Director people who could see the big picture while others got lost stood the importance of the work-life balance. I consider Andi Pelletier that one of the most precious gifts he gave me. Pat was an [email protected] in the weeds. Th ose were high-stakes issues with far-reach- ing impacts on all lobstermen. Despite the controversy incredible person — I learned a lot and am a better person Executive Assistant and undeserved criticism, he remained good-natured and for having known him. Sarah Paquette managed to keep his cool during it all. Pat, you certainly made your mark while you were here, [email protected] Pat’s personality was larger than life. I remember dread- but I can’t help but feel that we lost you too soon. I wish ing walking into various management meetings where you you farewell and following seas. You will truly be missed. Maine Lobstermen’s could cut the tension with a knife. But there was no need Association for anxiety because I could immediately feel the mood change when Pat entered the room. His physical presence, 2 Storer St., Suite 203 warm smile and commanding voice somehow put every- Kennebunk, ME 04043 207.967.4555 www.mainelobstermen.org MLA DIRECTORS MEETING

Th e Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative (MLMC) pro- Board of Directors’ vided media training for MLA board members in April. meeting schedule Sixteen lobstermen completed the three-hour training and All meetings take place are now able to assist in MLMC’s marketing events, par- at Darby’s Restaurant, ticularly upcoming regional events conducted with profes- Belfast, unless otherwise sional chefs. During the training, board members learned indicated. the key messages that should be stressed when talking about Maine lobster, and how to deal with reporters who may have an alternate agenda for their story. Th ey learned May 4, 5 p.m. that any interview with the media is an opportunity for a June 4, 5 p.m. lobsterman to tell his particular story. Th e MLA Directors discussed the status of the herring re- Staying “on message” takes training! MLA photo. Continued on page 8 Page 8 | LANDINGS | May 2016

MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION UPDATE

MLA continued from page 7 source and herring management plan. DMR scientist Matt Cieri provided an update on the status of the herring stock which, according to NOAA, is not LEGISLATIVE UPDATE overfi shed and overfi shing is not occurring. Th e MLA was joined by several members of the CHOIR coalition (a group of recreational and commercial marine businesses) who voiced concern over the MARINE PATROL GETS SALARY INCREASE status of the stock. Th ey do not agree with the results of the stock assessment and worry that the herring resource is not as strong as scientists believe. Th ey A sincere thank you to everyone who pitched in on LD 1523 Resolve, To are particularly worried about the impacts of the midwater trawlers on inshore Provide Wage Parity for Supervisors of Law Enforcement Personnel, to get herring and would like to see a permanent ban on herring fi shing in Area 1A. better pay for Maine’s Marine Patrol Offi cers. Th e MLA submitted written Th e MLA was joined by Congressman Bruce Poliquin. Th e MLA informed testimony in support of the bill and lobbied the Legislature to support it. Rep. Poliquin of the MLA’s focus on lobster quality and the MLA’s April Lobster Governor LePage signed the bill on April 19. Th e news law provides for Quality Tour with Dr. Jean Lavallée. MLA Directors discussed a variety of issues upward adjustment of salary schedules in fi scal year 2015-16 by 12 to with the Congressman including the impact of whale rules on the lobster fi sh- 18% for certain law enforcement positions in the Department of Public ery, Coast Guard safety regulations -- in particular the annual life raft repacking Safety, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Department requirement -- and the impact of heroin addiction on the lobster fi shery. Th e of Marine Resources. Maine’s Department of Marine Resources has been next MLA Directors meeting will be held on May 4 at 5 p.m. at Darby’s in Belfast. struggling in recent years to recruit and retain marine patrol offi cers. Currently, 18% of all Marine Patrol fi eld offi cer positions are vacant, with seven vacancies out of 38 positions. In the southern most section, four of the fi ve Offi cer/Specialist positions are vacant. Between 2011 and 2015, 18 applicants were hired, while 10 offi cers resigned. In 2015, fi ve offi cers left Marine Patrol for new positions in law enforcement, citing salary as the biggest factor for their move. It is hoped that passage of LD 1523 will help Marine Patrol fi ll these vacancies and retain new offi cers.

LOBSTER LICENSING REFORMS APPROVED

Governor LePage signed a series of lobster licensing reforms into law on April 5. Th e reforms include changes to the how the waiting lists are man- aged, how zone exit ratios are calculated, requirements of the Student Program and the Island Limited Entry Program. Th e Marine Resources Committee approved the fi nal language for LD 1503 An Act to Amend Lobster and Crab Fishing License Laws in mid-March. Th e new MLA board members met with Rep. Poliquin after the Directors’ meet- Waiting List ing in April. MLA photo. From left to right, Dustin Delano, Patrice McCarron, Th e new law creates two separate waiting lists – one for new entrants to Congressman Poliquin, John Tripp, Herman Coombs, Chris Welch. a zone who have completed the Apprentice Program and the other for those who seek to transfer into another zone. While the zone councils LOBSTER QUALITY TOUR A SUCCESS set exit ratios to manage the list of new entrants into a zone, the DMR is charged with adopting rules to manage the zone transfer waiting list. Th e MLA off ers its sincere thanks to Dr. Jean Lavallée for completing his fi rst Th e DMR must verify at least once every three years that each person on Lobster Quality Tour in April. With funding from the lobster license plate fund the waiting list wishes to remain on the list. DMR will attempt to contact and the Island Institute, the MLA and the MLCA organized a lobster quality those on the waiting list by mail, telephone or email. If a person doesn’t workshop in each lobster zone. respond within 60 days of the initial contact, DMR will send a notice via certifi ed mail. Any person who doesn’t respond within 30 days of the Th e MLA also thanks all of the lobstermen, dealers and community members date of the certifi ed notice will be removed from the waiting list. Any who participated in these events. Feedback was very positive, so we hope to be person who did not respond to the notice in a timely manner because able to off er this program again. One Zone G lobstermen noted, “Whether a that person was on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces or National highliner, part timer or dealer, the case has been made to consider the lobsters’ Guard may be placed back on the list in the same position. point of view as we fi sh and produce a high quality product.”

IMPORTANT HERRING MEETING MAY 16-17! Zone Councils and Exit Ratios Lobster zones may base exit ratios on licenses retired or the greatest If having a steady supply of herring is important to you, please plan to attend number of trap tags purchased in any prior year associated with the li- an important herring meeting in Portland on May 16 and 17. Th e New England cense retired, up to the zone maximum. Lobster zone councils may rec- fi sheries Management Council is holding the workshop to get input on the fu- ommend that an exit ratio based on tags retired be applied retroactively. ture management of herring. At issue is how precautionary the Council should Lobster zones must post an agenda at least seven days in advance if they be when it comes to restricting herring fi shing to account for the needs of the are to consider any action which would aff ect someone’s ability to get a ecosystem. Th e question is this: given the status of the stock, how much her- license, such as exit ratios. ring should be available to the commercial fi shery and how much should be left in the ocean to benefi t other species? In fi sheries management language, this is called the ABC (Acceptable Biological Catch) control rule, which determines Student Program how many fi sh can be harvested by fi shermen each year. Th e workshop will be Student lobster licenses may be issued to a person who is between age held at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. Th ose who wish to participate 8 and under age 23 and is enrolled as a student at least half time. Breaks are encouraged to register online by May 9. FMI: www.nefmc.org/calendar/may- between enrollment as a student cannot exceed six months. 16-17-2016-herring-workshop. Student license holders under age 18 who complete all requirements of the Apprentice Program may obtain a commercial license (status quo). PENOBSCOT BAY HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY Student license holders under age 20 who complete all requirements of the Apprentice Program and received a HS diploma or GED may obtain NOAA is moving forward with its plan to conduct a hydrographic survey of the a commercial license. inshore waters of Penobscot Bay this summer. Th e area to be surveyed would Student license holders under age 23 who begin logging time before age include waters off of Port Clyde across to Vinalhaven and up into the bay. Th e 18 and complete all requirements of the Apprentice Program, are en- MLA organized stakeholders from the area to meet with scientists to review the rolled in and meeting the requirements of a half-time course of study potential survey area and discuss potential confl icts with the lobster industry. at an accredited postsecondary institution, and maintained status as a While there is no plan in place yet, the survey could take place this year dur- student since before age 18 and in each licensing year thereafter, may ing the fi shing season. Researchers discussed using small jet drive boats, con- obtain a commercial license. tracting with local lobster vessels or fl ying the survey from a plane as ways to avoid confl ict with lobster gear. Th is survey is part of NOAA’s ongoing mission May 2016 | LANDINGS | Page 9

MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION UPDATE

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Island Limited Entry Program Persons wishing to fi sh on an island in the Island Limited-entry Zone Program may apprentice in any zone. An island may establish an Island Limited Entry Program if a referendum is supported by a majority of Class I, II and III license holders.

LOBSTER IS MAINE’S OFFICIAL CRUSTACEAN

MLA sent a letter of thank you to the Brewer Community School third graders thanking them for their eff orts to make lobster the offi cial crus- tacean of Maine! Th e third-graders were learning about the state of Maine earlier this year when they discovered that lobsters had not been honored as an offi cial state crustacean. Th ey worked with their teachers to write letters to state senators and representatives resulting in introductions of LD 1609. Th e students travelled to the State House to make their case before the Legislature’s joint State and Local Government Committee, which unanimously approved the bill. Governor Paul LePage traveled to the Brewer Community School where the third graders watched him sign the bill into law in April.

AGENCIES TO CONSIDER MARINE DEBRIS

Th e Legislature has directed several departments within state govern- ment to consider ways to reduce the impact of marine debris on Maine’s coastal ecosystems through passage of LD 427 Resolve, Directing Certain State Agencies To Consider the Eff ects of Marine Debris. Th e new law directs four state agencies -- Department of Marine Resources, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry – to consider the eff ects of marine debris and how the po- tential marine debris may be managed and mitigated whenever the agency takes any action. Th is is in place until January 2019. Marine de- bris comes in several forms and sizes, from tiny 5 to 10-micron fl akes of plastic to large chunks of metal or Styrofoam. Th e oceans annually receive an estimated 4,800,000 to 12,700,000 metric tons of plastic waste. HERRING DAYS OUT MEETING to keep nautical charts up to date. Once the survey is complete, updated nauti- cal charts will be available through NOAA. Th e Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Herring Section met on April 26 to discuss management of herring landings in Area 1A. Th ey set MASSACHUSETTS TRAWL SURVEY OFF SOUTHERN MAINE the “days out” eff ort control measures for the 2016 Area 1A Trimester 2 (June 1 - September 30) as follows: Th e Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has begun a three-year June 1 - 30: Vessels may land herring three (3) consecutive days a week. All industry-based survey on cod stocks in the southwestern portion of the Gulf of other days are designated as “days out” of the fi shery (e.g., vessels may not Maine. Given the poor stock of Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod, low catch limits, and land herring). many fi shermen’s claims that the cod status is better than currently assessed, this study will: July 1 - 14: Vessels may land herring four (4) consecutive days a week. All other days are designated as “days out” of the fi shery. • Provide another science source (resource data and information) for use in assessments July 15 - September 30: Vessels may land herring fi ve (5) consecutive days a week until further notice. All other days are designated as “days out” of the fi shery. • Test fi shermen’s hypothesis about GOM cod redistributing off shore in re- sponse to warming water Th e initial Area 1A sub-annual catch limit (ACL) is 30,397 metric tons after ad- justing for a carryover from 2014. Th e Area 1A sub-ACL will be adjusted af- • Demonstrate relevance and importance of a GOM cod IBS for improving ter the fi nal rule for the 2016-2018 herring specifi cations is released. Th e fi nal our understanding of the distribution of cod at times and in areas when the 2016 Area 1A sub-ACL will include the following reductions: 8% bycatch, 3% re- NEFSC surveys are not performed search set-aside and 295 metric tons fi xed gear set-aside. Th e Section allocated • Acquire additional scientifi c data on other groundfi sh stocks in the survey area 72.8% of the sub-ACL to Trimester 2. • Enable minimum estimates of swept-area biomass By starting with three landings days per week and then adjusting to four and then fi ve days during Trimester 2, the allocation is projected to extend through • Determine the survey’s potential for providing indices of abundance. the end of the trimester. Landings will be monitored closely and the directed Th e survey follows a stratifi ed-random design with stations occurring from 10 fi shery will be adjusted to zero landing days when the trimester’s allocation fathoms to 160 fathoms, including waters west of 69° 30’ within the GOM cod is projected to be reached. Th e Atlantic Herring Section is scheduled to re- stock boundary. A total of eight survey cruises will be conducted between April convene via conference call to review fi shing eff ort and adjust landing days as 1 through July 31 and between October 1 and January 31, 2017. Ten days of necessary on July 11. Fishermen are prohibited from landing more than 2,000 sampling will occur in each of the eight cruises, making 30-minute tows and, pounds of Atlantic herring per trip from Area 1A until June 1. depending on weather and sea conditions, averaging fi ve tows per day. Th e F/V Miss Emily, captained by Kevin Norton, will be conducting this trawl survey. DMR HERRING UPDATE Th e tows will be 200 feet wide and 1.5 nautical miles long. Th e vessel phone number is 781-801-8888. Tow locations will be announced each morning at 6 a.m. on VHF Channel 16. You can sign up online for real-time text alerts of Th e Maine DMR is in the process of developing rule-making for the 2016 her- specifi c dates and tow locations on the survey website. For more information ring fi shery. DMR will regulate the daily landings during the Area 1A sub-ACL and maps of monthly tow locations, visit www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dmf/ period 2 (June 1 – September 30). Th e regulations are intended to manage the programs-and-projects/industry-based-survey-for-gulf-of-maine-cod.html. Continued on page 10 Page 10 | LANDINGS | May 2016

MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION UPDATE

Continued from page 9 whales by at least 72%, and yet could provide suffi cient strength to withstand herring resource for an ongoing sustainable harvest, with the goal of harvest- the routine forces involved in many fi shing operations.” Th e Consortium meeting ing the available quota into September. Th is action is in response to the high brought together industry stakeholders, scientists, rope engineers and manufac- landings during the summer of 2015, which closed the Area 1A fi shery in mid- turers to discuss the potential to develop and fi sh ropes which meet these criteria. August, adversely impacting multiple fi sheries and dealers. DMR intends to publish the Notice of Agency Rule-Making on May 4, and to hold DREDGE TEAM MEETING SUMMARY a Public Hearing at 3 PM on Tuesday, May 24 at Department offi ces in Augusta. Th e proposed rule-making is anticipated to include the following measures: Th e Maine Dredge Team met in early March to discuss the status of dredge Herring harvesters will be limited to fi shing for and landing herring for four projects in Maine. consecutive days only: 6 p.m. on Sunday night to 6 p.m. on Th ursday. Vessels . Th e Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) has received required may only land once per twenty-four hour period (6 p.m. to 6 p.m.). ASMFC- environmental approvals from both Maine and New Hampshire and the ACOE’s required spawning protection and fi xed gear measures will be implemented. Chief of Engineers has issued the “Chief ’s report.” Th e project now awaits Although this proposed rule no longer includes restrictions on daily landings, Congressional authorization to proceed and remains in the design phase. daily landing limits may be implemented through emergency rule during the Searsport Harbor. Th e ACOE has suspended this project pending the outcome season if an unusually large concentration of fi shermen or fi shing eff ort might of discussions between upper-level decision makers at the ACOE and the Maine deplete the supply of herring. DMR anticipates that the proposed rule-mak- Department of Transportation (MDOT) aimed at identifying a plan for moving ing will be reviewed by the DMR Advisory Council at a meeting in June. If ap- forward. ACOE expects work on the project to be reinitiated in the near future. proved, the rules will then go into eff ect following fi ling with the Secretary of Th e timeframe is not known, but the ACOE and MDOT continue discussions. State’s offi ce. If DMR determines that fi shing occurring earlier in the month of Tab Brown, ACOE Chief of Planning and Policy, is the appropriate contact at June, or anytime during the season, may cause unusual damage or imminent the ACOE’s headquarters regarding this project. depletion of the herring resource, or if fi shing eff ort might deplete the supply of herring, DMR will utilize the Commissioner’s emergency rule-making author- Portland Harbor. Th ere is an “open resolution” for this project which would en- ity to immediately implement further limitations on fi shing and landing days, able the ACOE to deepen the federal channel if so requested by the local spon- or to impose daily landing limits. sor; the ACOE has received no such request. Status of Smaller Navigation Improvement Projects in Maine BYCATCH CONSORTIUM Blue Hill. Blue Hill and the ACOE are moving forward with a feasibility study. Environmental sampling showed gasoline contamination in some areas where Th e Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction, based at the New England dredging was planned. Th ey are now considering options for revising the dredg- Aquarium, held a meeting in April to discuss the potential to develop and ing plan to avoid disturbance of these areas. test fi shing ropes with breaking strengths of about 1700 pounds as a potential Camden. ACOE approved federal involvement in a feasibility study of a pro- whale mitigation strategy. A recent study published in Conservation Biology posal to improve the existing breakwater. Work on this project is on-hold pend- examined the ropes removed from entangled whales from 1994 to 2010. Th e ing execution of feasibility cost-sharing agreement obligating the town to fund study examined 132 ropes from 70 cases and measured the rope type, sever- 50% of the study’s cost. ity of entanglement and breaking strength of the rope. Th e report states, “Our results suggest that broad adoption of ropes with breaking strengths of Meduxnekeag River fi sh restoration project, in cooperation with the Co-op Coastal Documentation Machias Savings Bank Houlton Band of Maliseets. Port Lobster Co. Conary Cove Lobster Co. Maine Financial Group • fl ood and erosion control project at Indian Island, Maine, Re/Max Oceanside Cousens Maine Lobster Maine Lobstermen’s in cooperation with the Penobscot Indian Nation. Community Alliance South Bristol Fisher- Cushing Diesel, LLC men’s Cooperative • Salt marsh restoration project on the West Branch of the Pleasant River, in Maine Port Authority Damariscotta Bank & Superior Bait and Salt cooperation with the Maine Department of Transportation. Trust Co. Marine Hydraulic Engi- • Ice fl ow control project at Cherryfi eld dam. neering Co. Inc. Superior Marine Products Eastern Tire & Auto Inc. Service McMillan Offshore Maintenace Dredge Projects Survival Training Vinalhaven Fishermen’s Finicky Pet Food Coop . A contractor completed dredging and disposal operations for this Midcoast Marine Supply project in 2015. Finestkind Scenic Weathervane Seafoods Cruises Mount Desert Ocean- Inc. Beals Harbor and Pig Island Gut. Th e project went out for bid in December arium First National Bank Weirs Motor Sales Inc. 2015 and that bid is now under protest. Assuming timely resolution affi rm- Lobster ing the ACOE’s decision, which awarded the contract to Cashman Dredging, F W Thurston Co. Inc. :LOOLDP&RI¿Q 6RQV dredging could begin the fall of 2016. Georgetown Fisher- Nautilus Marine Fabri- cation Inc. Williams CPA Group men’s Coop LLC . Th e project involves dredging about 150,000 cubic yards, 45,000 Newcastle Chrysler Gulf of Maine Lobster Worcesters Lobster Bait cubic yards of which is in the up-river section of the project. Th e balance of Foundation Dodge Jeep the dredged materials would be used for beach nourishment at Camp Ellis. Th is 100%-federally funded maintenance dredge is not provided for in the May 2016 | LANDINGS | Page 11

Administration’s pending federal budget proposal. Th e ACOE intends to sub- mit requests for state water quality certifi cation and federal consistency con- currence in the near future. THANK YOU Biddeford Pool and Wood Island. Th is project involves dredging about 40,000 to all those who joined during our cubic yards of material. Disposal of silty materials would be at a previously- Spring Membership campaign. used disposal site in and sandy materials would be used for beach nourishment at Camp Ellis. ACOE intends to submit requests for state water quality certifi cation and federal consistency concurrence in the near future. Funding for this project is not provided for in the Administration’s pending federal budget proposal. York Harbor. Th is project involves dredging and disposal of about 50,000 cubic yards of dredged materials at the Cape Arundel Disposal Site. It has received all requisite environmental approvals but is not yet funded. Cape Porpoise. ACOE estimates this project would generate about 100,000 cu- bic yards of dredged materials, some of which would be disposed at the Cape Arundel site. Additional sampling and testing needs to be done to determine the materials’ suitability for ocean disposal. Pepperell Cove. ACOE is awaiting sampling and testing results for this project and intends to initiate consultation regarding required environmental reviews and approvals in summer 2016. . ACOE is in the early stages of evaluating this project and sediment sampling and testing need to be conducted. R. Fecteau photo Searsport Harbor. ACOE is not addressing maintenance dredging of the exist- Our younger lobstermen are the future of the industry. ing federal project as a separate project, pending the outcome of above-noted We value their input and participation. For over 60 years the discussion between decision makers at ACOE and Maine DOT. Šƒ•’”‘–‡ –‡†–Š‡ϐ‹•Š‡”›ƒ†–Š‡Ž‹˜‡Ž‹Š‘‘†‘ˆ–Š‘—•ƒ†•Ǥ Josias River and Stonington Harbor. ACOE has not identifi ed a need for main- tenance dredging for these projects. Thanks to our new members, we are ready for another 60 years. Portland CAD cell. Tom Dobbins, Portland Harbor Commission, spoke about eff orts to site a combined aquatic disposal cell (CAD cell) to serve Portland Harbor. A contract has been awarded to design the CAD cell. Another contract Be part of the future. was awarded pursuant to an EPA brownfi elds grant to assess the nature of sedi- ment contamination around select Portland piers. Th e contractor will study Join the MLA and connect. berthing areas and estimate the amount of dredged material that would need to be placed in the CAD cell. Th e proposed location of the CAD cell is off Fish Point at the east end of the Portland peninsula; the proposed location has been discussed with local fi shermen who indicated its use would not have a major www.mainelobstermen.org/membership impact on fi shing. Discussion of the proposed location and any related con- tBOEJ!NBJOFMPCTUFSNFOPSH cerns regarding potential adverse eff ects on fi shermen will be part of the siting process as it moves forward.

MAKE IT MAINE, MAKE IT NEW SHELL

MLMC Will Ramp Up Marketing Efforts to Launch the Season Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative is excited to kick off the harvest with robust media efforts and social support. Activities include: · Unveiling a five-part video series on social and digital channels that provides an overview of the Maine Lobster industry and how the product goes from sea to table. · Inviting top-tier media to visit Maine for an immersive look at what makes Maine Lobster so unique. · Activating a robust Fourth of July amplification plan that drives demand for Maine Lobster through recipes, positioning it as a holiday must-have. · Executing “Maine After Midnight” tent pole events in Atlanta, Washington DC and New York City to educate chefs and create awareness and demand for Maine Lobster.

facebook.com/lobsterfrommaine twitter.com/lobsterfromme instagram.com/lobsterfromme Page 12 | LANDINGS | May 2016

BAIT

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Milton CAT is the Northeast and upstate New York Caterpillar dealer. Our complete range of marine power systems solutions is backed by a team with exceptional knowledge and experience. • More engine choices. • More fully equipped and staffed locations. Why buy • More support for your commercial fishing vessel, ferry, tug, or pleasure craft. secondhand? • More ordering and delivery options for unparalleled part availability. Buy fresh, Contacts: buy direct! (in ME, NH, VT) Stewart Tuttle, 207-885-8082, [email protected] (in MA, RI) Kevin Hampson, 508-634-5503, [email protected]

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As a younger fisherman, I always want to experiment and try new ideas so I can catch more lobster. The folks at Friendship Trap are always there to help me develop these ideas and get the traps just the way I want them. AND, I get a top quality trap that’s built to last delivered when I need it. —Trevor Hooper Corea, ME WHEN THE LOBSTER MEETS THE TRAP, YOUR EFFORTS TURN TO CASH! You know how to catch lobster; Friendship knows how to build traps – together we can put more money in your pocket. Can we help you earn more with your next set of traps?

“I really enjoy providing helpful information to our customers. I see what’s working along the coast and can provide ideas that can help them design their traps. Effort spent getting their traps just the way they need them pays off!” —Jerry Wadsworth, Friendship Trap road sales

We enable fishermen to stay Here to serve you! FOR THE LOVE dry and warm on waters across the globe- professional JerryJerry WadsworthWadsworth (207)(207) 542-0842542-0842 [email protected]@friendshiptrap.com OF FISHING as well as recreational. We all JiJimmymmy EmersonEmerson (207)(207) 4483-655583-6555 [email protected]@friendshiptrap.com have one thing in common: the love of fishing. FriendshipFriendship OffOffice:ice: ((800)800) 45451-1200;1-1200; (207)(207) 354-2545354-2545 Find us ColumbiaColumbia FFallsalls OffOffice:ice: ((800)800) 339-6558339-6558 on Facebook grundens.com ViVisitsit ourour websitewebsite: www.www.friendshiptrap.comfriendshipptrapp.com

Present your MLA membership MLA MEMBERS card at the following businesses and DISCOUNT DIRECTORY receive generous discounts! Accutech Marine Propeller, Inc Hews Company, LLC New England Propeller Inc Dover, NH -- 20% off propeller repair. South Portland, ME -- 10% off all hydraulic Plymouth, MA -- Discounts on marine Discounts vary by manufacturer for new components and Cable Craft cables in 2015. propeller, shafting, and related items, sales propellers,shafting and other hardware. & repairs. /DZ2IÀFHRI-6FRWW/RJDQ//& Applied Refrigeration Services Portland, ME -- 20% discount on foreclosure Nicholas H Walsh PA Windham, ME -- $250 off new installations. defense and bankruptcy legal fees. Portland, ME -- 20% off legal services. Back River Financial Group Liferaft Services, LLC North Atlantic Power Products Farmingdale, ME -- Free initial consultation York, ME -- 5% off liferaft repack with proof Exeter, NH -- 10% discount on parts and and review of previous tax returns. of MLA membership. CAN be combined with service. other promotions. Bessy Bait, LLC Penobscot Marine Museum Seabrook, NH -- $5 discount per drum on 0DLQH&DPS2XWÀWWHUV Searsport, ME -- Free admission for MLA multiple drum purchases (must show current Sunset, ME -- 10% off all apparel and promo- members. tional product orders. MLA card). Richard Stanley Custom Boats Coastal Hydraulics Maine Design Company %DVV+DUERU0(RIIÀQDOSULFHRI Seabrook, NH -- 10% discount on all in stock Appleton, ME --10% discount to surveys on hull with MLA membership items for MLA members. lobster boats. Must be an MLA member & mention this listing to get discount Sea Rose Trap Co. Commercial Fisheries News Scarborough, ME -- 5% off trap list price Deer Isle, ME -- Discounted annual Maine Lobstermen’s Association when you show your MLA card. Kennebunk, ME--10% off MLA merchandise. subscription rate for $18.75 with MLA Smithwick & Mariners Insurance membership noted on check. Maine Maritime Museum Falmouth, ME -- Discounted vessel insurance Bath, ME -- Free admission to MLA members. plus 5% discount with proof of CG approved Craig’s All Natural Drill Conductor course within the last 5 Durham, NH -- 10% discount on all Victoinox McMillan Offshore Survival Training years. Cutlery. Belfast, ME -- 10% discount on USCG Drill Conductor training. SW Boatworks Friendship Trap Company Lamonie, ME -- $1000 discount for hull or Friendship, ME -- 5% off list price on traps Midcoast Marine Electronics top purchased at the Friendship store. Cannot be Rockland, ME -- 10% off list price on all combined with other discounts. marine electronic products. Weathervane Seafood Inc. Kittery, ME – 10% off mail order purchases. Hamilton Marine Mount Desert Oceanarium Just mention you are an MLA member. 1-800- Searsport, Rockland, Portland, Southwest Bar Harbor, ME -- Free admission to 914-1774. Harbor, Jonesport, ME -- Discounts available FRPPHUFLDOÀVKHUPHQDQGWKHLUIDPLOLHV WRFRPPHUFLDOÀVKHUPHQ Winter Harbor Fishermen’s Coop National Fisherman Winter Harbor, ME – 10% off picked lobster North Hollywood, CA -- Special annual sub- meat. scription rate. May 2016 | LANDINGS | Page 15

MLA SELECT BUSINESS MEMBERS Show your support for these businesses!

ACCOUNTANTS FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT Calendar Islands Maine Lobster LLC Swans Island Fishermens Coop 6A Portland Fish Pier PO Box 116 Back River Financial Group Farm Credit East Portland, ME 04101 Swans Island, ME 04685 690 Maine Ave 615 Minot Ave. 207-541-9140 207-526-4327 [email protected] Farmingdale, ME 04344 Auburn, ME 04210 [email protected] 207-622-3772 800-831-4230 Winter Harbor Fishermen’s Coop [email protected] www.farmcrediteast.com Canobie Seafoods, Inc. 23 Pedleton Rd. www.backrivergroup.com 1077 Bar Harbor Rd. Winter Harbor, ME 04693 Free initial consultation and review of previ- FISHING, MARINE AND INDUSTRIAL Trenton, ME 04605 207-963-5857 ous tax returns. SUPPLIES 207-667-2250 [email protected] [email protected] 10% off fresh picked lobster meat. Channel Fish Co. BAIT DEALERS Grundens USA Ltd PO Box 2068 370 East Eagle St. MARINE ENGINES East Boston , MA 02128 Bessy Bait LLC Poulsbo, WA 98370 617-569-3200 Milton Cat 155 Rear Batchelder Rd. 360-779-4439/800-323-7327 paula@channelfi shco.com Stewart Tuttle Seabrook, NH 03874 [email protected] www.channelfi shco.com 16 Pleasant Hill Rd 603-300-2846/603-300-2849 Scarborough, ME 04070 [email protected] www.bessybait.com Hamilton Marine Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods [email protected] $5 discount per drum on multiple drum pur- with locations in Searsport: 207-548-6302; 20 Ladd St. www.miltoncat.com chases (must show current MLA card). Southwest Harbor: 207-244-7870; Rockland: 207-594-8181 Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-433-2220 adaughan@cosff .com PROPELLERS Lighthouse Lobster & Bait Portland: 207-774-1772 PO Box 194 Jonesport: 207-497-2778 [email protected] Cozy Harbor Seafood Inc. New England Propeller, Inc. Eastport, ME 04631 PO Box 389 207-853-3137 www.hamiltonmarine.com 9 Apollo Eleven Rd. Discounts available to commercial fi shermen Portland, ME 04112 Plymouth, MA 02360 207-879-2665 Lund’s Fisheries Inc. 508-747-6666 [email protected] North Atlantic Power Products [email protected] Discounts on marine propellers, shafting, and 997 Ocean Dr. www.cozyharbor.com Cape May, NJ 08204 Dan Jones related items, sales and repairs. 15 Continental Drive 609-898-5143 wreichle@lundsfi sh.com Craig’s All Natural LLC www.lundsfi sh.com Exeter, NH 03833 REFRIGERATION SERVICES 603-418-0470 [email protected] 25 Winecellar Rd. Durham, NH 03824 New England Fish Co. 10% off on parts and service Applied Refrigeration Services 603-397-5331 7C Commons Ave. 446 Commercial St. [email protected] Portland, ME, 04101 GIFTS Windham, ME 04062 www.craigsallnatural.com 207-893-0145 207-253-5626 10% discount on All Victoinox Cutlery [email protected] Maine Camp Outfi tters [email protected] www.raberfi sheries.com 300 Sunset Rd www.appliedrefrigeration.com Sunset, ME 04683 Cranberry Isles Fishermens Coop $250 off new installations. PO Box 258 Purse Line Bait 800-560-6090 [email protected] Islesford, ME 04646 Central Maine Cold Storage PO Box 276 207-244-5438 Sebasco Estates, ME 04565 www.mainepromotional.com 84 Heritage Park Rd. 10% off apparel and promotional product orders. [email protected] Bucksport, ME 04416 207-389-9155 http://littlecranberrylobster.com [email protected] 207-702-9045 HYDRAULICS [email protected] Garbo Lobster BOAT BUILDERS/ BOAT REPAIR Pete Daley Coastal Hydraulics Inc. RESTAURANTS PO Box 334 PO Box 2832 Richard Stanley Custom Boats Hancock, ME 04640 Seabrook, NH 03874 Barnacle Billys Inc. PO Box 275 207-422-3217 603-474-1914 PO Box 837 Bass Harbor, ME 04653 [email protected] 207-244-3795 [email protected] Ogunquit , ME 03907 10% discount on all in-stock items for MLA 207-646-5575 [email protected] [email protected] Knuckle & Claw members. www.barnbilly.com www.richardstanelycustomboats.com Chloe Dahl $1,000 off fi nal hull price with MLA membership 3112 West Sunset Blvd Hews Company LLC Red Lobster Seafood Co. Los Angeles, CA 90026 Katy Hews 450 S Orange Ave, Suite 800 SW Boatworks [email protected] 358 Douglas Highway 190 Rumery St Orlando, FL 32801 South Portland, ME 04106 [email protected] Lamoine, ME 04605 Little Bay Lobster Inc. 207-767-2136 info@ hewsco.com www.redlobster.com 207-667-7427 158 Shattuck Way hewsco.com [email protected] Newington, NH 03801 Th e Clam Shack www.swboatworks.com 603-431-3170 INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS PO Box 6200 $1000 discount for hull or top on 38 and 44 [email protected] Kennebunkport, ME 04046 Calvin Beal. www.littlebaylobster.com Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative 207-967-3321 [email protected] www.theclamshack.net DOCUMENTATION SERVICES 2 Union St. Luke’s Lobster Portland, ME 04101 459 Grand St. SAFETY TRAINING & EQUIPMENT Maine Design Company 207-541-9310 Brooklyn, NY 11211 212-387-8487 68 Snow Hill Rd [email protected] [email protected] Appleton, ME 04862 www.lobsterfrommaine.com www.lukeslobster.com Liferaft Services, LLC [email protected] Dan Greer www.mainedesigncompany.com INSURANCE Maine Coast LLC 15 Hannaford Drive 10% discount on lobster boat surveys for MLA 15 Hannaford Drive, Unit 2 York, ME 03909 members who mention this listing. Smithwick & Mariners Insurance York, ME 03909 207-363-0876 207-363-0220 366 US Route 1 [email protected] ELECTRONICS Falmouth , ME 04105 Maine Ocean Lobster 5% off liferaft repack with proof of MLA membership. 207-781-5553/800-370-1883 Kevin Adams Discount can be combined with other promotions. Midcoast Marine Electronics [email protected] 31 Badgers Island West 700 Main St. www.smithwick-ins.com Kittery, ME 03904 TRAP BUILDERS/STOCK SUPPLIES Rockland, ME 04841 Discounted vessel insurance for MLA mem- 207-229-0335 207-691-3993 bers. Additional 5% discount with proof of Brooks Trap Mill [email protected] completed C.G. Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor Quahog Lobster Co 211 Beechwood St www.midcoastmarine.com course within the last 5 years. 5 Lobster Lane Th omaston, ME 04861 10% off list price on all marine electronic products. Harpswell, ME 04079 207-354-8763 Varney Agency Inc. 207-725-6222 [email protected] Michael Hennessey [email protected] www.brookstrapmill.com EDUCATIONAL & TRADE SHOWS PO Box 117 Machias, ME 04654 Shucks Maine Lobster Friendship Trap Company Maine Maritime Museum 207-949-2034 150 Main St, Suite 4 570 Cushing Rd. Amy Lent [email protected] Richmond, ME 04357 Friendship, ME 04547 243 Washington St. 207-737-4800 207-354-2545/800-451-1200 Bath, ME 04530 LOBSTER/SEAFOOD/WHOLESALE/ [email protected] [email protected] 207-443-1316 [email protected] RETAIL www.friendshiptrap.com www.mainemaritimemuseum.org Spruce Head Fishermen’s Coop 5% off list price on traps purchased at Friendship Free admission to MLA members Atlantic Edge Lobster 275 Island Rd store. Cannot be added to other discounts. 71 Atlantic Ave. South Th omaston, ME 04858 Penobscot Marine Museum Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 207-594-8029 [email protected] Sea Rose Trap Co. PO Box 498, 5 Church St 207-633-2300 137 Pleasant Hill Rd. Searsport, ME 04974 [email protected] Stonington Lobster Coop Scarborough, ME 04074 207-548-2529 PO Box 87 207-730-2063 [email protected] Stonington, ME 04681 [email protected] www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org 207-367-2286 www.searosetrap.com Free admission to MLA members. www.stoningtonlobstercoop.com 5% off list price on traps to MLA members Page 16 | LANDINGS | May 2016

DON’T LOSE OUT ON FREE HEALTH SERVICES

By Alisha Keezer Identifying and treating a health problem before symptoms start or, better yet, preventing a sickness entirely is benefi cial to your overall health. Aside from physiological benefi ts, it can also alleviate potential fi nancial diffi culties in the future. Most chronic conditions and many serious diseases may worsen over time, even with medications. Still, treating a dis- ease sooner rather than later can limit its impact on your health. For these reasons, federal law requires that all health insurance plans cover specifi c preventive care services, including vaccinations, some disease screenings, and specifi c forms of counseling. When the Aff ordable Care Act fi rst came into eff ect, it provided for free preventive care. Yet even today, three years after the Act began, many people are unaware of these preventive health benefi ts and how to use them.

Services covered by all ACA health insurance plans Alisha Keezer is the MLA’s Covered preventive services Immunizations: Covered preventive services health insurance Navigator. for all adults: Hepatitis A for women: She can be reached at 967- 4555 or alisha@mainelobster- Colonoscopy for adults over 50 Hepatitis B Free contraceptives men.org. Alcohol and tobacco misuse Shingles Well-women visits screening Human papillomavirus Osteoporosis and anemia screenings Blood pressure screening Infl uenza (fl u shot) Prenatal care Depression screening services aren’t free; they are paid for Meningococcus Mammograms & breast cancer coun- by the health insurance company Obesity screening and counseling seling Pneumococcus through the money collected from Diabetes (blood sugar) screening for your monthly premium. You cannot adults with high blood pressure Tetanus Covered preventive services be charged a copay, coinsurance, for children: or deductible to take advantage of HIV tests for everyone ages 15 to 65, Diphtheria them. Simply put, you pay nothing and other ages at increased risk Varicella (Chicken pox) Immunizations out of pocket. Up to three “well visits” per year Measles, Mumps, Rubella Developmental & Autism screenings When you schedule an appointment Colonoscopy for adults over 50 Screening for certain genetic disorders for any free preventive services, make it known that you are interested in Depression screening and behavioral getting your free preventive screen- assessments ings and want to be informed if any Vision and oral health screenings services fall outside the list of ap- proved “free” services. Iron and fl uoride supplements If you are visiting your doctor, don’t be afraid to speak up when he or Health insurance plans must cover she recommends additional testing these services without asking you and treatment. If these items aren’t to pay an additional fee. Th is is true covered, know that you’ll likely have even if you have not met your yearly some cost-sharing responsibilities. deductible. You may take advantage Your doctor should have a general of most of these preventive services idea of which screenings and servic- when you go in for a yearly physi- es fall under free preventive care, but cal or, if you are a woman, at your you should also call your insurance well-woman visit. Technically, these company for confi rmation.

Note: If you go “out of network,” you may be charged for these services. When making an appointment, tell the provider that it is only for “well visit services.”

THE MLA WORKS FOR YOU

“It’s important to have a heads up to what is coming down the road. ,I\RXGRQ·WKHDULWÀUVWKDQGIURP the MLA, you’ll hear it second- hand and won’t know how true it is.”

Mark Jones, Boothbay

Become a member. Let your voice be heard. [email protected] // www.mainelobstermen.org // 207-967-4555 May 2016 | LANDINGS | Page 17

NEW RESOURCE TO HELP FISHING FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES PREPARE FOR THE WORST

by Ann Backus, MS Risks, Response, Recovery Harvard University School of Public Health Chapter 2 discusses potential dangers at sea and Chapter 3 outlines the emer- It seems to be a hallmark of fi shing com- gency response roles of the U.S. Coast Guard and how the Coast Guard works munities that they come together after with families and the community after a tragedy. Chapter 4 returns to the fam- a fatality or disabling injury of a fi sh- ily and to issues pertaining to recovery of the body and the family’s recovery erman to support the family and each with respect to fi nancial, legal, spiritual and counseling needs and well-being. other. Community members provide Th ere are eight appendices (A through H) that contain everything from Fred food and fi nancial assistance as well as Mattera’s Maintenance Check List (fi rst published in Commercial Fisheries emotional support, at least in the short News in February, 2015), a crew check list, and a revised version of my article on term, and community service agencies, the F/V Lady of Grace icing tragedy to community profi les of Gloucester and New churches, banks and others often come Bedford along with their respective resources. Members of any community could forward to assist over the long term. So easily replicate the profi les and resource sections for their community and be well when we step back and take a look from on the way toward an improved response capability. 30,000 feet, what does this mix look like in typical fi shing communities? Th e RESCUES manual also provides a review of resilience literature by FPSS intern Bernadette Stadler and concludes with eight lessons learned from at-sea incidents. What happens fi rst? Who is involved? Who should be involved? How does Th e authors sincerely hope you will fi nd the process move from fi rst respond- this manual helpful for your commu- ers to support for the families involved? nity, whether it is a fi shing community What are the short-term and long-term or not. Tragedy and disaster befall us needs? And of course, the critical ques- all, often without warning. Just within tion, how can we prevent serious fi shing casualties in the fi rst place? the past fi ve days of writing this arti- cle, twin earthquakes in Japan have Th e Fishing Partnership Support Services (FPSS) in Massachusetts was in- displaced 100,000 people, a magnitude terested in answering these questions. Several years ago, FPSS President J.J. 7.8 earthquake in Ecuador resulted in Bartlett asked Madeleine Hall-Arber of the MIT Sea Grant Program and me more than 500 deaths, heavy rains that (of Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health) to undertake a study in New fl ooded Houston stranded 400 peo- Bedford and Gloucester, primarily, in an eff ort to understand how communi- ple and ruined dozens of homes, and ties respond after tragedies and to learn what constitutes resilience in these the Popocateepetl volcano erupted communities. Th e thought was that we could present a report that was both in Mexico. And this list doesn’t men- specifi c to fi shing communities and which could be a template for any commu- tion the many war-torn communities nity, fi shing or non-fi shing, that wants to be prepared for tragedy or disaster. around the world or our local drug over- Th e manual RESCUES (which stands for Responding to Emergencies at Sea dose tragedies. Clearly we need resilient and to Communities under Extreme Stress) was the result of a broad-based people and resilient communities that can mount a quick response and bounce research eff ort that included published research literature on community resil- back over time. ience, a list of fi shing fatalities and casualties from the U.S. Coast Guard District You may download the entire RESCUES Manual or individual chapters and ap- I database covering 1998 to 2010 and from accounts in regional newspapers, pendices at http://fi shingpartnership.org/services/rescuemanual/. and over 30 interviews with survivors, families of deceased fi shermen, high- profi le community leaders, and U.S. Coast Guard responders. NVIVO, a com- puter program that helps social science researchers identify recurring themes, was used to analyze the interview transcripts. HYDRO-SLAVE Prevention and Preparation: Th e Fisherman and the Family SAME DAY SERVICE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT At the level of the individual and the family we discovered a number of best practices that help ensure that a fi sherman and his family will be prepared in “THINKING OF BUILDING A NEW BOAT?” the event of a fatality or disabling injury or illness. Some of these practices are LET US QUOTE YOU ON A POWER STEERING OR A POT HAULER. familiar to fi shing families, but a number of them are either not familiar or not HAULERS AVAILABLE 8” TO 17” carried out. Prevention is the fi rst priority: fi shermen should take advantage • ALUMINUM BACKPLATE of the training off ered through various organizations including FPSS, private • POLISHED STAINLESS BACKPLATE companies, and the Coast Guard. Each fi sherman should ensure that the ves- • ALL STAINLESS HARDWARE sel is outfi tted with survival suits (that fi t), EPIRBs, life rafts as required, fl ares, POWER STEERING AVAILABLE IN 5 CLASSES horns, radio, etc. and that he knows how to use the equipment and make a • UP TO 120 FEET Mayday call. • STAINLESS QUADRANT ASSEMBLIES • STAINLESS HELMS On shore, best practices suggest that family members should share and store in- formation about each fi sherman’s trip (see the Search and Rescue Information 16” SPOKED WHEEL • BRONZE DUAL RAM Sheets in Appendix F) and have current U.S. Coast Guard phone numbers (see • CHROME QUADRANT ASSEMBLY Appendix A). Often overlooked is the idea that responsible members of fami- lies should know where all the household documents are kept (insurance poli- ELECTRIC CLUTCHES HIGH EFFICIENCY VANE cies, mortgages and loans, bank and credit card account documents, wills, car PUMP titles, etc.), and have password access to phone, computer, and online bank $544.70 • 100% Stainless Steel construction accounts, etc. Contact information for people who serve the family in various • Rudder side thrust eliminated capacities such as pastors, attorneys, doctors, and insurance agents will be • no stress on boat timbers needed should the family experience an injury or fatality. And, if a family has a safe deposit box, someone needs to know the bank, the box number and where 5.5 HP HONDA POWER UNIT OUR NEW GENERATION SUPER BLOCKS • 11GPM @ 1500 PSI 2 Stage Pump • 4” Low LIP and HI LIP the keys are kept. • Light, Versatile and Portable • 5” Low LIP and HI LIP • This unit will power 10” • 2000 lb. Capacity Preparation: Community Resilience and 12” and 14” Haulers • Sealed tapered • Ideal for outboards and roller bearings Simply put, resilient communities are prepared communities. Th ings are in other small boats • Aluminum Sheaves place, such as a disaster response team that can call on local resources and rap- • Log Splitter • Stainless Sheaves idly set up a service delivery infrastructure when tragedy strikes. Relationships are well-established between the community and its agencies; face-to-face meetings between service and industry sectors are common; people know WORLD’S LARGEST POT HAULER MFG. FOR OVER 40 YEARS each other and frequently work together on small community-based projects. Th e RESCUES Manual (pages 8-10) provides suggestions to help a community Call John for more information 1-800-747-7550 • Or visit us on develop resilience. As communities are dynamic, not static entities, relation- the internet: marinHhydUDXOLFHQJLQHHULQJFRP ships need to be renewed when the captain of the port changes, for example, or MARINE HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING a new mayor or town manager is elected, or a new industry moves into town. 17 Gordon Drive • Rockland, Maine • Fax: 207-594-9721 Email: [email protected] Page 18 | LANDINGS | May 2016

CRABS, ONCE PESTS, NOW VALUABLE

By Melissa Waterman We spend a lot of time talking about lobster in the state of Maine, but there are other crustaceans that are popular among both the dining public and fi sher- men: Jonah crab and rock crab. Jonah crab (Cancer borealis) are found from Newfoundland to Florida. Th ey are the larger of the two crab species, with an average carapace width of 7 inches and large claws tipped with black. Rock crab (Cancer irroratus), also known as peekytoe, is smaller, with a smooth fan-shaped body marked by reddish or pur- ple spots. Th ey have two short front claws; they are crawling crabs and tend to move very little. Rock crab live in shallower water and are harvested primarily in the summer, while Jonah crab are caught year-round by inshore and off shore lobstermen. Both species were once considered annoyances by lobstermen be- cause they would enter a trap and quickly devour all the lobster bait. Like lobsters, the two crab species can live out of the water for a limited period of time. Crabs use their gills to extract oxygen from the water. As long as they can keep their gills moist, oxygen from the air will diff use into the moisture and then into the gills. Th ey have articulating plates around their gills that help seal the gills to the air. In the ocean, water is drawn in over the gills and then expelled through the crab’s mouth. Out of the water, the crab will blow bubbles to draw oxygen in over the gills and transfer CO out. trap restrictions. While many states have already implemented the new regula- 2 tions, all states on the East coast will be required to implement measures by In the late 1990s, a commercial fi shery developed for Jonah crabs, the meat of June, 2016. A proposed Draft Addendum to the plan would change the inci- which is comparable to the much more expensive West coast Dungeness crab. dental bycatch limits for non‐trap gear (such as gillnets) and non-lobster trap Since then the fi shery has seen a rapid increase in annual landings. In the early gear (such as fi sh, crab, and whelk pots) in order to cap incidental landings of 2000s, landings were roughly 2.6 million pounds and the fi shery was valued at Jonah crab. $1.5 million. By 2014, landings increased to over 17 million pounds with a value exceeding $12 million. Th e majority of Jonah crab is landed in Massachusetts Th e growth in Jonah crab landings in southern New England coincides with the and Rhode Island. decline of the lobster fi shery in that region. Massachusetts and Rhode Island lobstermen need to make only minor adjustments to their traps to able to catch Jonah crab had no fi shery management plan for many years, due in part to Jonah crabs. In certain areas of Maine, local seafood companies are processing limited data on its population, growth rates, and distribution. Th ere still is no Jonah crab on their own. Port Clyde Fresh Catch concentrates on Jonah crab federal stock assessment for the species. In addition, dealer reports typically for its customers during the winter months, now that the shrimp fi shery has don’t diff erentiate by species, lumping Jonah crab in with rock crab and other disappeared. crab species. Th e market for rock crab is credited to Rod Mitchell, founder of Browne’s In May, 2014, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted Trading Company in Portland. He sold the delicate crab meat as peekytoe crab unanimously to develop a fi shery management plan and stock assessment for to preeminent chefs in New York City in the late 1990s with great success. Rock Jonah crab. Th e Commission approved a fi shery management plan in August, crab, however, is still caught in such low volumes that neither the ASMFC nor 2015 that includes minimum size restrictions, prohibition of berried female the Maine Department of Marine Resources has a fi shery management plan harvest, requirement to land the whole crab (no claws-only) and licensing and for the species.

McGeoghegan continued from page 4 asked to hold off for a year. PEIFA waited the year and then sent out an infor- Th is is true. However, more than twice as many people around the world are mation package. A few weeks later a ballot was sent to every lobster fi sher ask- now eating lobster than before. With people in Asia, Europe and domestically ing if they would support a one cent per pound levy on their catch. Th e results learning of the quality we have to off er, the tide has turned. were mailed back in; the majority of fi shers were in favor. Homarus americanus is only caught in waters between the Carolinas and The fi rst step was to draft Provincial legislation and amend the province’s Natural Newfoundland. Th at is a very minute geographical section of the world. Th at Products Marketing Act, to ensure that the collection and participation in the pro- means we have something very valuable and very unique. Other natural prod- gram were mandatory. It also made it mandatory that every fi rst point-of-sale buyer ucts can be raised or planted basically anywhere in the world. Ours cannot! also puts in a one cent levy. Th at one cent from the buyers is managed by a separate Th e industry as a whole — fi shers, truck drivers, buyers, dealers, brokers, proces- group made up of lobster buyers and can only be used for marketing lobster. sors, live shippers and restaurant owners — needs to realize that without fi sh- Our board of 12 fi shers is enthusiastic about getting started, but we also rec- ing families continuing the 200-year tradition of catching lobsters and bringing ognize our decisions have to be based on data--data dictates direction. Market them to shore, no one else will have product to sell. Th e fi shers are the most information world-wide is something that we as fi shers up until now have important blade on the propeller and it’s about time they get rewarded for it. known very little about. Google has changed that a lot, and things are improv- We, the PEI lobster marketing board, want all fi shers on both sides of the border ing. During the last two years prices are starting to go in the right direction. and the whole industry to have a safe, prosperous and successful 2016 season! During the last ten years catches have nearly doubled in Canada and the U.S.

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AFTER 63 YEARS, PORT LOBSTER CO. CHANGES OWNERS

By Shelley Wigglesworth After 63 years of being owned by Kennebunkport native Sonny Hutchins, Port Lobster changed hands in April when fellow Kennebunkport native and town Selectman Allen Daggett, who also owns Cape Porpoise Lobster Company, Cape Pier Chowder House and Cape Porpoise Bait Company, bought the tiny retail fi sh market that has been a mainstay in the town for well over half a cen- tury. Sonny Hutchins founded Port Lobster in 1953. Hutchins explained how he got into the retail end of the business. “I had been in the lobstering business be- fore I went into the Army, I grew up in it. My father was a lobsterman for 44 years and then I fi shed too. I thought by doing this [selling retail and take-out] I would be getting into the easier part of it, but I found out it wasn’t,” Hutchins said with a chuckle. Just like Hutchins, Daggett also grew up in the business. He began lobstering at the age of 12 and fi shed until his early twenties when he began selling lobsters, doing business as Daggett’s Lobster Company beginning in 1969. Eventually he gave up fi shing to sell lobsters full-time. Over the years he ex- panded and ventured into other fi sh-related businesses, such as the Chowder House he runs in Cape Porpoise and his bait company. Daggett and Hutchins are not strangers to one another: both are Kennebunkport natives from longtime lobstering families. Daggett’s father grew up with Hutchins. “I’ve known Sonny for as long as I’ve been on this earth. We used to live next door to each other,” Daggett said. Sonny Hutchins, left, stands in front of the company he founded with new owner Allen Daggett. Photo by S. Wigglesworth.

changed at all. Sonny has been good to me over the years, and I feel real good about buying this place.” Daggett said he feels that by buying Port Lobster, everything has come full circle. “It will be named Daggett’s Lobster Company, doing business as Port Lobster. Th is way my original business name and Sonny’s original business

er. NEF SC name will be honored.”

We have what you need! +HUULQJ5HGÀVK 3RJLHV )UR]HQ3URGXFWV

Port Lobster in 1953.

Th ough it was never aggressively marketed, Port Lobster had been on the mar- 3XUVH/LQH%DLW ket from time to time over the years. Th ere were a couple of interested buyers, but nothing ever panned out. “One day Allen and I were talking and I said to him ‘why don’t you buy the business?’ I guess he thought about it and decided it would be a good idea,” Hutchins said. Although the business has a new owner, both Daggett and Hutchins agree that Call 207-389-9155 or “nothing will change.” Hutchins will still be there every day just as he always Jennie’s cell: 207-841-1454 has been and his daughter, Kathy Anueszweski, will still manage the place. Email [email protected] All of the employees and associ- ates will also stay on, including the lobstermen who sell there. “Allen and I both feel if it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it,” Hutchins said. “I am happy to have someone local who knows the business buy it.” Daggett said he is equally happy that it all worked out the way it did. “I’m not worried about a thing. It will be business as usual. When you walk in and do business here, you’ll never know anything 6HUYLQJPLGFRDVW0DLQH¿VKHUPHQ Left to right, Sonny, daughter Kathy since 1996 and son Tim in 1987. Page 20 | LANDINGS | May 2016

Lavallée continued from page 1 about the unusual physiology of the unlike a human being, a lobster has a lobster and commonsense practices semi-open blood circulation system. lobstermen can employ to ensure the Th at means the heart pumps blood highest-quality catch regardless of through ever smaller arteries until the number of pounds hauled each fi nally the blood vessels simply spill day. the blood into the animal’s tissues; Lavallée began each workshop by it doesn’t recirculate. “Th e tissues explaining the odd way a lobster’s are bathed in blood all the time. As body works. For example, a lobster’s soon as the shell is broken, then the kidneys are located just behind the blood comes out,” Lavallée explained. eye sockets. Th ey excrete urine from Lobsters have a powerful clotting sys- small holes behind the eyes. “Th at’s tem, which prevents something like a how they talk to each other, from V-notch from harming them. But if certain chemicals in their urine,” they suff er serious injuries, they can Lavallée said. bleed to death.

“Quality is as important to the processing sector Jean Lavallée addresses lobstermen at a lobster quality workshop held at the as it is to the live sector, Processors live and die by Bigelow Laboratories in East Boothbay. MLA photo. meat yield. Th ey want a high quality, non-injured Th e problem for the lobsters is that lobster but it’s very hard to put it back CO2 and ammonia wastes build up in in,” he said. All sorts of things stress lobster to start with.” their blood; if they stay out of water out a lobster, weakening it over time. too long, those wastes will kill them. Rapid hauling from the bottom is one stressor. Researchers looked at lob- A lobster may appear to be as armored When a lobster is taken out of the Molting is the most vulnerable time sters hauled at the typical 500-feet- as a tank, yet its internal structures water, its many gills will collapse, like for a mature lobster. A molt is trig- per-minute rate and those hauled make it prone to injury. For example, the sodden pages of a book soaked in gered by water temperature and more slowly, at 80 feet per minute. a lobster’s nerve cord runs down its water. But it has a method for stay- length of daylight but also by the “Th ey [the latter] were more vigor- belly, without the protection of verte- ing alive on dry land. It captures wa- presence of other molting lobsters. ous,” he said. Other things, like vari- brae. A cut from another lobster or a ter in its gill chambers to maintain “Th e males will molt within two to ations in temperature, the amount of rough toss by a lobsterman can sever a thin layer of seawater over those four weeks of each other. Th e females oxygen in the tank, exposure to fresh that cord, resulting in paralysis of the gills. Oxygen from the air will enter stagger their molt,” Lavallée said. water or ice, all cause stress on the lobster’s tail and eventual death. A through this layer, allowing the gills When a lobster gets ready to molt, of- lobster. “Stress has a snowball eff ect lobster’s heart is on its back, where to work at about 10% effi ciency com- ten its shell gets thin and crackly to on lobsters. Th ey don’t recover from the carapace meets the tail. Whack pared to 100% in salt water. “A lobster the touch. Th at is because the animal it as quickly as we do.” a lobster on the back and it’s likely will last out of the water for two, three is drawing calcium and other miner- the heart will rupture. Furthermore, days as long as the lobster doesn’t do als from its shell to store in nodules, Minor injuries to lobsters also add any work, like fi ghting,” Lavallée said. called gastroliths, in its stomach. up to lost money, he said. Practices After the molt, it can reabsorb those such as tossing lobsters, handling minerals to strengthen its shell. traps roughly, and overstuffi ng, drop- A lobster stops drinking water in or- ping or banging crates can increase der to shrink the mass of its tissues limb loss and bleeding. “Lobsters MAINELOBSTERMEN just before it molts. During that time, that bleed lose fl uid. Th at means they proteins in its blood increase as the lose weight. When you think about it, blood becomes thicker. To molt, it a one- to three-pound loss of weight 25 71 41 will suddenly drink a lot of water to per every 100 pounds caught is about posts followers following crack the old shell. Th e lobster then $10 per crate. Th ink of the number drinks even more water to bulk up of crates you’ve landed in your life,” + FOLLOW in size while its new shell is still soft. Lavallée said. “Th at means its blood proteins will Lavallée off ered simple suggestions  be low. Th at tells you that the lobster such as “one hand, one lobster” when hasn’t recovered from its molt yet,” handling lobsters and treating them Follow us on Instagram! Use our hashtag #MLALobsterPix and tag Lavallée said. as if they were eggs. “It doesn’t take a us @mainelobstermen for a chance to be featured on our account, When it comes to what makes a lot of money,” he said. “It doesn’t take in Landings͕ŽƌŽŶƉƌŽŵŽƟŽŶĂůŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůƐ͊ high-quality lobster, Lavallée pointed a lot of time.” out that the answer depends on your Slow down your hauler. Bring the point of view. In his opinion, the best trap over the rail smoothly and don’t prices are paid for intact lobsters bang it around so that lobsters’ small with a hard shell, low expected shrink legs are snapped off . Don’t throw the rate, high meat yields and maximum shorts back into the water while the shippability. boat is moving. “It’s like hitting con- Together, Canada and the U.S. land crete. It will snap their claws off ,” more than 350 million pounds of Lavallée explained. lobster annually, light years ahead He advises placing lobsters in the of other lobster fi shing countries crate all going the same way. At the like Australia, Indonesia and Chile. dock, wharf workers should lift the However, the shrink rate in the U.S. crate horizontally by two handles, and Canada is also very high, from not by one, which smashes all the 5% to 10% each year. In absolute lobsters over to one side. Don’t drop numbers, “Th at’s more than most the crate. Don’t over pack it either be- of these other countries land in one cause the lobsters will inevitably stab year!” Lavallée said. “Th at’s a lot of each other with their nose or horns. lobsters.” “Quality is as important to the pro- Use #MLALobsterpix between now and September for Careful handling of lobsters, based cessing sector as it is to the live sector,” your chance to be in aŶ MLA calendar! on a better understanding of their Lavallée emphasized. “Processors anatomy and biology, can reduce live and die by meat yield. Th ey want YƵĞƐƟŽŶƐ͍EŽ/ŶƐƚĂŐƌĂŵ͍ŵĂŝůƉŚŽƚŽƐƚŽ^ĂƌĂŚĂƚ losses and save millions of dollars. a high-quality non-injured lobster to [email protected] “Quality is like a one-way gas tank. start with.” You can take the quality out of the May 2016 | LANDINGS | Page 21

Pat White continued from page 1 a fi shery conducted in state, not federal, waters and as such, should be man- that continues today. aged by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). Over time Th e MLA was becoming involved in and after numerous meetings with state, regional and federal offi cials, White’s more and more issues during the 1990s. point of view prevailed. Authority for lobster management was moved from the Th e lobster zones council system was NEFMC and placed with the ASMFC in 1996. And in the process, the minimum created. Groundfi shermen again pe- gauge was frozen at 3-1/4” and a federal limit on dragger-caught lobster was titioned to land lobsters caught in off - fi nally put in place. Th e move to the ASMFC allowed White to fi nd alternatives shore trawl nets. “It always seemed to the draconian trap limits the federal government had sought to implement. that Pat was there. Th ere just seemed Th rough many contentious debates, White, Cousens and the MLA Board led to be so much more to it [than in Ed the industry to a workable compromise, including a trap limit of 800 and an Blackmore’s time]. Pat handled the pol- increase in the vent size. itics so well,” Gamage said. Somehow White also found time to “He treated people, whoever they were, the same serve on the prestigious Pew Oceans way, with respect.” Commission, chaired by Senator Leon Panetta, in 2002. Th e Commission was a bipartisan, independent group whose “When things had to be done, Pat moved. I never saw Pat blow up. He kept mission was to identify actions that his cool. But when he was on a task to get something done, we generally got it could restore and protect the coun- done,” recalled Arnie Gamage, an MLA board member and South Bristol lob- try’s marine resources and protect sterman. biodiversity. Members included David Back home in Maine, the concept of self-governance in the lobster industry had Rockefeller Jr., New York Governor taken hold, and the zone council system was created in 1995. White knew that George Pataki, Jane Lubchenco, soon Pat and Enid sampling juvenile the lobster fi shery was diff erent along the coast of Maine and was a strong sup- to be head of NOAA, and other lead- lobsters. porter of the zone council system from the start. ers in science, government, and busi- Th e Lobster Conservancy photo. White was appointed by Governor King to represent Maine on the ASMFC in ness. White was a valued member of 1995. He became chair of the commission’s lobster board, shrimp section, and the Commission, bringing a real-world menhaden board. He also was a member of the NEFMC from 1996 to 1999. It perspective to the discussions. “Th ey loved Pat,” Cousens said. “He took all that was during the mid-1990s that White became involved on behalf of the MLA in stride. He treated people, whoever they were, the same way, with respect.” with an issue that troubles Maine lobstermen to this day: protection of endan- In 2011, White received the ASMFC’s highest honor, the Captain David H. gered North Atlantic right whales. Hart Award, in recognition of his years of work. Jack Travelstead, then chair of ASMFC’s award committee, said, “Pat White believes that the only way for fi sh- eries management to succeed – for both the resource and the fi shermen – is for fi shermen to be knowledgeable and personally involved in the management process. He has conducted himself as a true gentleman and, in doing so, has elevated the role of fi shermen in the fi sheries management process.”

Good-bye, Pat. You will be missed.

News & Comment for and by the Fishermen of Maine

ESTABLISHED IN 1995 AS THE ONLY NEWSPAPER FOCUSED ON THE MAINE LOBSTER FISHERY. NEW ENGLAND’S MOST READ NOW!!COMMERCIAL FISHING Pat White doing what he loved. ASMFC photo. NEWSPAPER

In 1996 the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team was formed by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Its aim was to devise ways to reduce whale It’s what fishermen read! entanglement and death from fi shery gear as required by the changes to the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1994. Th e plan developed by the team be- came known disparagingly by lobstermen as “the whale rules.” MORE NEWS, Environmental organizations were adamant that everything possible must be done to save the whales. White, who was a member of the Team, found himself attacked for the fi shing practices of Maine lobstermen. “He had a temper but MORE WRITERS, he rarely showed it. He was a master at smiling even when steam was coming out of his ears,” Cousens said. Th rough steady and persistent arguments, White and others made sure that a signfi cant portion of Maine state waters were spe- MORE RELEVANCE, cifi cally exempted from most whale regulations. Cousens found after becoming MLA president in 1992 that he and White worked together like a well-oiled machine. “We always had a game plan,” MORE CONTENT! Cousens recalled. “I would come in as the bad guy and ask for the world and then Pat would come in and say ‘Well, you know, this is what we really could live with.’ We could just look at each other and know what to do. I’d say we Committed To Quality In The talked to each other daily for fourteen years.” American News Tradition Since 1995 When White became MLA executive director, the organization had to borrow money to get through the year. Due to increasing rates the MLA was no longer able to off er its members health insurance, which had been a signifi cant rev- 207-963-7195 enue producer. It still off ered vessel insurance but White thought that program P.O. Box 253, Gouldsboro, ME 04607 • [email protected] could be improved. He searched for the best hull insurance deal available and found it with Smithwick and Mariners Insurance in Falmouth, an arrangement www.fishermensvoice.com Page 22 | LANDINGS | May 2016

In the NEWS

TWO NEW ENGLAND STOCKS CONSIDERED IN JEOPARDY RIGHT WHALES MAKE TRACKS FOR

NOAA Fisheries released its annual report on the status of U.S. fi sh stocks. Experts tracking North Atlantic right whales say nearly half the estimated glob- Th e 2015 Status of US Fisheries report shows that the number of rebuilt fi sh al population of 500 or so animals has been spotted in Cape Cod Bay over the stocks has risen to 39 since 2000. In 2015, eight stocks came off the overfi sh- past few springs. Th ey are back this year in what looks like record numbers. ing list, including Th orny skate in the Gulf of Maine, Winter skate in Georges “It’s rather extraordinary and somewhat mindblowing,” said Charles “Stormy” Bank/Southern New England, and Windowpane fl ounder in the Gulf of Maine/ Mayo, a senior scientist and director of right whale ecology at the Center for Georges Bank Coastal Studies in Provincetown. Two New England fi sh stocks were added to the overfi shing and overfi shed For a stretch in the late 1990s, fewer than 30 whales were sighted each year, lists — Southern New England yellowtail fl ounder and Georges Bank winter said Mayo. Th eir increasing presence in Cape Cod Bay has caught scientists by fl ounder — as well as three stocks of Chinook salmon and individual stocks of surprise. Mayo theorizes that shifting ocean currents – possibly due to global Coho salmon on the west coast. climate change – are pumping more plankton into the bay, even as the whales’ traditional feeding grounds off the Maine coast falter. Federal law forbids get- ANOTHER WHARF SAVED FOR FISHERMEN ting within 500 yards of a right whale and requires ships to slow to 10 knots.

A signifi cant property in Tenants Harbor was added to the growing list of SCALLOP RESURGENCE BRINGS CONFLICT commercial waterfront properties protected by Maine’s Working Waterfront Access Protection Program, part of Land for Maine’s Future Program. Millers’ A confl ict is brewing in the northern Gulf of Maine between small scallop boats Wharf in Tenants Harbor is owned by four brothers, all of whom are commer- and larger vessels. A larger-than-usual harvest of scallops this year in the area cial fi shermen. Th e wharf currently serves lobstermen, scallopers, urchin boats and the c ompetitive price that the shellfi sh demand attracted a larger number and seaweed harvesters. “My parents worked hard to keep this property as a of boats than usual. Small state-licensed boats are limited to 200 pounds of working waterfront, now, despite increased pressure along the coast from de- scallops each trip until the boats reach 70,000 pounds. But other boats that velopers, this property will continue to provide access for commercial fi sher- have permits distributed in the 1990s are allowed to haul up to 40 million men for generations,” said Hale Miller. Four generations of Millers have fi shed pounds within the 34 days they are permitted in the area. Th e New England from the wharf. Fishery Management Council will be considering changes to federal sea scallop Since the four brothers inherited the property from their parents in 2002, they regulations in 2017 that would prohibit vessels with permits from collecting have undertaken considerable improvements to the wharf including dredging more than 50 bushels of in-shell scallops in a demarcated area next year. to provide access for loading bait and unloading catch regardless of tide and the addition of four hydraulic hoists to increase effi ciencies. Millers’ Wharf cur- rently supports over 100 people engaged in commercial fi shing activities in- cluding lobstermen and sternmen, urchin divers and student license holders. DMR HOLDS MEETINGS TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF SHRIMP FISHERY

Th e Department of Marine Resources (DMR) hosted three meetings in March to discuss the future of Maine’s northern shrimp fi shery. Th e three meetings, held in Portland, Augusta and Ellsworth, brought DMR’s policy and science staff together with fi shermen and others to discuss the science and manage- ment of the fi shery which has been under a moratorium since 2014. Among the science issues discussed was the condition and capability of the research vessel Gloria Michelle. Th e 72-foot steel-hulled vessel built in 1974 is used for summer Gulf of Maine shrimp surveys and is showing signs of age. Some industry members expressed a desire to incorporate an industry vessel into the survey work. Th e meetings also provided an opportunity to review the Total Allowable Catch allocation by gear type; some fi shermen expressed interest in a state- by-state allocation. Historically Maine has landed approximately 85% to 90% of the annual catch among the three states in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Northern Shrimp Section (Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire). Industry members expressed a desire for a Maine-specifi c al- location and for Maine to develop management measures that would protect opportunity for the fi shery. Th e shrimp fi shery typically has provided an impor- tant additional source of income for Maine lobstermen during winter months. Despite moratoria instituted for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 fi shing seasons, some suggested having a late season in 2017 after the shrimp have spawned. Th e two- to three-week season would allow spawning to occur but would also provide a brief window for fi shermen to harvest adults before they move off shore. Also discussed was the possibility of implementing a swipe-card system in the shrimp fi shery. Maine began using the swipe-card system with the elver fi shery in 2014 to record landings and manage both individual and statewide quota. Th e state plans to roll out a swipe-card system in the scallop and urchin fi sher- ies sometime in 2016. Th e Department also indicated that it plans to select a small, geographically di- verse group of fi shermen, including trappers and trawlers, to provide input on next steps in the fi shery. Commissioner Patrick Keliher and external aff airs di- rector Terry Stockwell will bring the group together to outline a plan for engag- ing all shrimp industry members. Outcomes from the broader meetings will inform Maine’s contributions at the next Northern Shrimp Section meeting, which had not been scheduled at press time . May 2016 | LANDINGS | Page 23

May 2-5 May 28-29 ASMFC spring meeting, Alexandria, VA FMI: Alewife Fish Ladder Restoration Festival, 10 http://www.asmfc.org a.m-6 p.m., Damariscotta Mills. FMI: https:// 2016 Maine Lobster Boat damariscottamills.org May 4 Racing Schedule MLA Directors Meeting, 5 p.m., Belfast, ME. Upcoming FMI: 967-4555. June 1 May 7 MLA Directors meeting, 5 p.m., Darby’s in USCG Maine Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor Belfast. FMI: 967-4555. Training, Eastport. FMI: 207-338-1603. June 4 May 12 “Meeting the Boat: Steam Travel along Maine “Mayday: Crisis in the World’s Oceans,” talk Waters” exhibit, opening June 4, Maine by Colin Woodard, 7 p.m., GMRI, Portland. Maritime Museum, Bath. FMI: 443-1316. FMI: 228-1699. June 18, Boothbay Harbor June 7 June 19, Rockland May 14 Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative July 2, Moosabec Reach Annual Benton Alewife Festival, 10 a.m.-4 meeting, Island Institute, Rockland. July 3, Bass Harbor p.m., Benton. FMI: 453-7191. July 10, Stonington June 17-19 July 24, Friendship May 16-17 LAUNCH, a Maine Maritime Festival includ- August 13, Winter Harbor NEFMC Herring Workshop on setting future ing blessing of the fl eet, Kennebunkport. August 14, Pemaquid quotas for herring. Location TBD. FMI: www. nefmc.org. June 18 August 20, Long Island Lobster Boat Race, Boothbay Harbor. FMI: August 21, Portland May 22 633-3915 “Merrymeeting Day: Discover the Bay” 11 For more information, visit the Fans of a.m.-3 p.m., Maine Maritime Museum, Bath. June 19 Maine Lobster Boat Racing on Facebook! FMI: 443-1316. Lobster Boat Race, Rockland. FMI: 975-9690

May 24 June 21-23 DMR Public Hearing on Herring Rules, 3 p.m., New England Fisheries Management Council DMR Offi ce, Augusta. meeting, Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland. Wanted: May 27 June 26 position as sternman “Wish You Were Here: Communicating Lobster Boat Race, Bass Harbor. FMI: 244- A very hard worker with strength, stamina. Easy to get Maine” exhibit opening, 5-7 p.m., Penobscot 9623. along with and a team player. Don’t use any drugs and have Marine Museum, Searsport. FMI: 548-2529. a vehicle. Willing to work whatever amount of time is needed. My name is Andrew; I can be con- tacted at 207-509-0811. LOBSTER PRICES REACH 15-YEAR HIGH by Emma Jayne Smith First published by Spend Matters.com. Reprinted with permission. Prices for U.S. lobster meat have climbed to a 15-year high in April, and are up 48% year-over- year. Th e main reason behind this dramatic rise in the past 12 months has been high demand for lobster products in U.S. food service and retail. So why has processed lobster meat become so popular over the last couple of years? Lobster processing involves extracting the meat from the shell, making it much more consumer- friendly. Processed lobster meat has a longer shelf life and can be stored and shipped better than a live lobster. Th is, combined with low prices seen in 2014, made the product popular in food service and retail, leading to heavy and successful advertising of processed lobster based products. Versatility and convenience of processed lobster meat appeals to consumers as their appetite for easy-to-prepare food continues to increase. All of these factors have led to a sharp increase in demand in 2015 and 2016. Another factor that pushed prices up was constraints in processing capacity. Around 122,000 tonnes of lobster is caught on the Atlantic coast annually, predominantly in the New England area, from where it is exported all over the world, with Canada being the largest importer of U.S. lobster. Fresh lobster, imported from the U.S., is processed in Canada and lobster-based products are then exported back to the U.S. Canada is the largest supplier of processed lobster meat to the U.S, responsible for 57% of all processed lobster meat supplied to the country. Excellent fi shing conditions in 2014 resulted in high catches, with 160,000 tonnes of lobster landing in Canada and the U.S. Another good year was seen in 2015, although fi nal fi gures are not available yet. However, production capacity for lobster processing has not expanded in line with demand. As a result, processed lobster availability has been unable to keep up with the increased demand, causing prices to soar. As Canada struggles to increase its output, the U.S. is moving to process more of its own lob- ster catch as this becomes more profi table, in an attempt to keep up with higher consumer demand. Th is could potentially cause a shift in the industry away from Canadian lobster fac- tories, leading to lower prices. However, uncertainty around the scale and pace of the capacity expansion in the U.S. makes it diffi cult to say when prices are expected to come down.

Page 24 | LANDINGS | May 2016

TAKE THE PLUNGE AND BE PREPARED AT SEA

It wasn’t a particularly warm day in April for the U.S. Coast Guard-approved drill conduc- tor training class in Rockland. Still, the students participating learned those things criti- cal to safety at sea, such as putting on a survival suit properly, accessing the life raft, fi re suppression techniques and other skills critical in an emergency situation.

Federal law requires that a certifi ed drill conductor conduct monthly drills for all fi shing vessel crews. If you need more information on safety training opportunities, call Alisha Keezer at the MLA at 967-4555. MLA photos.

Spruce Head Fishermen’s Co-operative FGFG Stonington Lobstermen’s Co-operative FGFG Swan’s Island Fishermen’s Co-operative FGFG Vinalhaven Fishermen’s Co-operative

Organized by lobstermen for lobstermen Supporters of the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance, the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, and Landings.