April 2014 | Vol. 22, No. 4

PREDICTING THE FUTURE A COMPLICATED TASK 2013 LANDINGS By Melissa Waterman linked the number of young-of-the- marine resource agencies and indus- REMAIN HIGH year lobsters (those born in that year) try members from Rhode Island to Despite the best eff orts of mediums found in cobblestone nursery areas Atlantic Canada. Wahle’s lab at the MLA staff and psychics, we still don’t have and the predicted abundance of le- University of Maine serves as the cen- the ability to predict the future. gal-sized lobsters in the future. tral data hub for the survey. Lobsters, the state’s most lucrative Fishermen take note of what they fi shery, experienced another year observe at sea throughout the year as Unlike other creatures, fi guring out A 2004 paper authored by Wahle, Lew of record landings and value. At a means to forecast what they might how many lobsters have passed from Incze and Michael Fogarty stated, 125,953,876 pounds, lobster land- see in years to come. Seeing lots of the larval to juvenile stage is tricky. In “We developed a growth model that ings were the second highest on re- young lobsters in a trap usually indi- the fi rst place, they hide. In the sec- projects the impact of the observed cord since the Department of Marine cates some good fi shing years ahead. ond, there’s not much to tell you how settlement patterns on future fi sh- Resources (DME) and National What scientists do isn’t much dif- old a lobster is even if you fi nd them ery landings. Th e model incorporates Marine Fisheries Service began ferent. Th ey survey the seafl oor for because they shed their carapace so variations in individual growth rates keeping records. In addition the per lobsters and then use mathematics, frequently when they are young. obtained from prior fi eld and labora- pound value increased by 20 cents computers and some very complicat- In 1989 and 1990, Wahle started sam- tory studies.” from $2.69 to $2.89. ed equations to estimate how many pling mid-coast Maine and Rhode Th e authors used “empirical data Th e preliminary report indicates that young lobsters might survive to har- Island to determine just how many on size-at-age to develop a logistic the total landed value for Maine lob- vestable size. Th ose resulting models juvenile lobsters had managed to model providing the probability of give marine resource managers the fi nd a hiding place in cobble under- attaining harvestable size (> 83 mm data on which to base regulatory de- sea areas. He then took those data carapace length) at a given age. Th e cisions. But can those models accu- to devise a model that could predict projection model then combines the rately predict the future in the face of the future abundance of legal-size settlement index and growth model a changing Gulf of Maine? lobsters in those areas. Wahle’s early to estimate the contribution of each Back in 2004, University of Maine sampling work expanded into the settlement year class to the fi shery scientist Rick Wahle and colleagues yearly American Lobster Settlement recruitment in subsequent years.” devised a mathematical model that Index, conducted by collaborating A subsequent paper published in 2009

Continued on page 18 Continued on page 11 Maine Lobstermen’s Association Proud sponsor of Landings 207-967-4555 | [email protected] |www.mainelobstermen.org

CHANGE IS FOCUS OF 2014 FISHERMEN’S FORUM Page 2 COASTAL OUTLOOK By Melissa Waterman Th oughts from the MLCA president Lobster once again took center stage at the 2014 Maine Fishermen’s Forum. Th e importance of Maine’s lobster fi shery and the need to Page 3

U.S. Postage Paid Postage U.S. Portland, ME 04101 PRST STD 454 No. Permit GUEST COLUMN improve its marketing were emphasized by Governor Paul LePage at a Friday presentation by the new Maine Lobster Marketing Fishermens’ knowledge important Collaborative (MLMC). “Now that we have a sustainable industry, we to wind project can go to work. We need to protect the brand. It’s a healthy prod- Page 4 uct. Long live the lobster industry of Maine!” he said. Maine lob- MLA MEMBER PROFILE ster received certifi cation as a sustainable fi shery from the Maine Ernie Burgess, Chebeague Island Stewardship Council in 2013, which allows seafood businesses to use the coveted MSC label on Maine lobster and lobster products. Page 5 Continued on page 20 ACA UPDATE

Pages 7-9 NEWS FROM THE MLA

Page 15 REMARKABLE PEOPLE Togue Brawn

Page 19 THE HEALTH OF LOBSTERMEN Health screenings help fi shermen

Page 22 IN THE NEWS Former DMR Commissioner George LaPointe models an auction item at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum. Mike Young photo. Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance Community Lobstermen’s Maine 315 Box P.O. ME 04043 Kennebunk, Page 2 | LANDINGS | April 2014

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

After a remarkably cold and snow-fi lled winter, Maine lob- tremendous array of wellness events which include health stermen are beginning to ready their gear and themselves screenings and health insurance enrollment. Landings pro- Board of Directors for another lobster fi shing season. vides an overview of the seminars and health events as well As the front page story in this month’s issue of Landings as highlights of the Saturday award ceremonies. David Cousens, Chairman notes, 2013 was another year of strong lobster landings We’ve heard from many readers that you enjoy getting to in the state. August 2013 was the single biggest month of know members of our lobstering communities through the James Dow, Vice Chairman landings on record, with nearly 33 million pounds har- pages of Landings. Th is month, we introduce you to Ernie Elliott Th omas, Treasurer vested. But the tale of two Maine’s played out in the lob- Burgess of Chebeague Island, who was a young man when ster industry, with downeast Maine posting another phe- the Maine Lobstermen’s Association took form in 1954. William Brennan nomenal year of landings lead by He talks to Landings about the Hancock County (with nearly 45 experiences of his father, Alger Amy Lent million pounds), Knox County Burgess, and other MLA mem- Kristan Porter (with nearly 34 million pounds) bers during a federal investiga- and Washington County (with tion of the association in 1958, Staff nearly 24 million pounds). By and why it is important to him to contrast, York County landed support the MLA. President: Patrice McCarron less than 4 million pounds and Many worry about the lack of Cumberland County landed just diversity in our fi sheries, and Landings Editor: 12 million pounds. Fortunately, Maine’ over reliance on the lob- Melissa Waterman the price paid per pound nudged ster fi shery. As fi sheries are re- Executive Assistant: slightly upward – here’s hoping built in Maine, so too is the op- Sarah Paquette it will continue in that direction portunity to grow new business. this year! Readers will fi nd in this issue of Landings is published monthly. It is Th e lobster industry has been full Landings the story of a woman provided for free to all Maine lob- of surprises in recent years, with who sees a prosperous future in stermen thanks to the support of large volumes of lobster being the Maine scallop fi shery which, newsletter sponsors. Th is month’s landed at unexpected times. No It’s hard not to have a good time at the annual just a few years ago, was lagging. edition is sponsored by the Maine one can truly say what the future Maine Fishermen’s Forum, as these attendees show. Togue Brawn of Portland brings a Lobstermen’s Association. may bring. Th is month Landings Mike Young photo. sense of enthusiasm and possibil- introduces us to scientists who ity to the scallop fi shery through are working hard to do just that when it comes to lobster. her young business, Maine Dayboat Scallops. Th e use of predictive models allows scientists, resource Landings also provides important information to lob- managers and lobstermen alike to gain a sense of the tim- stermen on two NOAA research projects planned for this Get noticed in ing of the catch each year and the abundance of the lobster spring and summer. Beginning in May, NOAA will be de- resource in future years. All the environmental changes ploying a series of buoys in Casco Bay to collect tidal and occurring in the Gulf of Maine, particularly warmer water current information, and in July and August, the NOAA re- LANDINGS! temperatures, make fi ne tuning these models increasingly search vessel Ferdinand Hassler will be conducting a bot- important. And as our industry has learned the hard way, tom mapping survey along the coast of York County. 2013 Advertising Rates these tools are not only critical in assessing the resource, but also in helping businesses plan appropriately for the As we look forward to the upcoming lobstering season, it Full page (10 x 14.65 inches) $945 upcoming season. is always wise to look back at the hard work of the genera- tions before us. In our series Voices, this month we recount Half page (10 x 7.35 inches) $500 Th e annual Maine Fishermen’s Forum was held at the be- a story told by Albert Collins of Blue Hill about his grand- ginning of March. Th is year’s forum was well attended and Quarter page (4.9 x 7.35 inches) $280 father. Collins was a lobsterman and fi sherman but also a once again proved invaluable in bringing together fi sher- renowned fi ddler, poet and boat builder who died at age Eighth page (4.9 x 3.5 inches) $165 men, scientists, and the public. Each year industry stake- 78 in 1990. We hope you enjoy his tale, and this issue of holders are able to take stock of where we are right now Landings . Business Card (3.5 x 2 inches) $55 and what might be in our future. In addition to covering a number of fi sheries issues, this year’s forum provided a Color ads are an additional $75.

Th e advertising deadline is the second Monday of each month. Please contact April Gilmore ([email protected] or 967-6221) for more information. MLCA fosters thriving coastal

Maine Lobstermen’s communities and preserves Community Alliance P.O. Box 315 Maine’s lobstering heritage 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 † Email in 2010, which achieves its chari- Please note amount. Check or credit card accepted. Phone table mission through programs Credit Card # in education, research and char- MLCA is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charitable ity. organization. Expiration Security Code April 2014 | LANDINGS | Page 3

Guest COLUMN GUEST COLUMN: Exchanging information critical to Monhegan wind project

By Paul Anderson happy, but he, David, Jimmy and Randy continue to provide critical in- Maine Aqua Ventus, the off shore put. Th ey are helping the project en- wind energy research project led by gineers understand how these fi sh- the University of Maine, will learn eries work, what the bottom habitat this summer if it has been selected is, and other local information that by the U.S. Department of Energy for will help to ensure that the project is the next phase of funding. Th e pro- done right. posed demonstration project will place two full-scale fl oating wind Similarly, the fi rst time I met David turbines at the University of Maine Osier, he graciously invited me into Deepwater Off shore Wind Test Site his wheelhouse. After blowing my off Monhegan Island, and connect to mind with a harrowing tale of a not- both the island and mainland with so-good fi shing day earlier that week which could have cost him his boat, undersea cables. Th e mainland des- Paul Anderson is the director of Maine he began scribbling shrimp tows on tination is a Central Maine Power Sea Grant at the University of Maine. Company substation in Bristol. a nautical chart. He’s no fan of this Photo courtesy of Maine Sea Grant. project, but he’s willing to share his Although this is a modest, research- knowledge and maybe demonstrate, scale project, it has attracted a lot of One-eighth-scale Aquaventus model is in the end, that this perceived con- sites, are critical to the long-term suc- attention from the nearby communi- anchored off Castine. Photo courtesy of fl ict is manageable. I did the same cess of the project. Th ough it is a slow ties and the fi shermen who work in DeepCWind. thing with Randy Cushman from the process, this is how the towns can be the Muscongus Bay area. Th is con- eastern side of the bay last fall; the clear about what they need and the cern is understandable, which is why coast. Many of the year-round island combination of his and other notes researchers can be clear about what members of the research team have communities are connected to the has given the project engineers a lot is possible. met regularly with residents and mainland power grid in this fashion, to think about. Th ere are options for More information about Maine Aqua fi shermen to explain the project and but this is new to the guys fi shing in where to place the cable and where gather input so that the fi nal demon- Muscongus Bay and they’ve got con- Ventus is online (maineaquaventus. it can make landfall. Th is group of com), or you can reach out to me di- stration project can be informed by cerns. fi shermen will help the university ex- local knowledge. rectly via email (panderson@maine. During this past year, Damian Brady plore those options in order to fi nd edu) or phone (581-1435). We antici- Michael Dawson fi shes out of New from the Darling Marine Center, common ground and the best possi- pate hearing from the Department Harbor and is concerned about University of Maine Vice President ble plan that has the least impact. of Energy this summer, but will con- lobster traps getting entangled in for Innovation and Economic Meanwhile, the Town of Bristol and tinue to meet with the fi shermen and the subsea cable. He also fi shes Development Jake Ward, and I have Monhegan Island have organized community groups because we be- for shrimp when there’s a season. held forums and community meet- community task forces to lead dis- lieve this is an important project and Dawson, along with Randy Cushman ings throughout the mid-coast region cussions with us. Th ese community we want to do it right. (Port Clyde) and David Osier (South to answer questions and get feed- groups, which have their own Web Bristol), is worried about losing back. It hasn’t always been easy, but good shrimp-towing areas. Th is is the university is committed to mini- because it’s typical to require a clo- mizing the impact on fi sheries while sure to mobile gear within 50 meters pursuing this renewable energy tech- on either side of a subsea cable. Jim nology as part of the long-term solu- Wotton fi shes lobster and shrimp tion to environmental impacts from out of Friendship and also drags for our current fossil fuel-based energy scallops in the upper part of the bay. industry. I’ve worked with Maine’s He is troubled about the possibil- fi shing industry most of my life and ity of losing scallop area. And out at I know, without a doubt, that these Monhegan, the lobstermen are con- discussions over time are absolutely cerned with how close they can fi sh critical for the communities and for to the wind turbines. the project. Th at’s a sampling of some of the is- Th e fi rst time I met Michael Dawson, sues that have been discussed in re- he really didn’t have much to say, ex- cent months. Understandably, there cept he wished we’d simply go away are lots of questions, yet through our and let him fi sh. Mike’s no fool. He’s ongoing discussions, a lot of the is- the chair of the Lobster Zone D Looking for a lender sues are being resolved. Furthermore, Council and knows how to look out the project is all the better for having for this fi shery. Since that fi rst meet- that understands this input. Th is isn’t the fi rst cable ing, he’s gained a better understand- that’s been installed along Maine’s ing of the pilot project. He’s still not your business?

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MLA MEMBER PROFILE: Ernie Burgess, Chebeague Island

By Melissa Waterman would stop in and listen after school. ring to the prosecution’s accusation My father and Myles O’Reilly, they that the MLA had directed lobster- Ernie Burgess doesn’t mince words. were accused of being hostile wit- men to tie up their boats in order to “I’m proud to be a member of the nesses,” Burgess recalled. Rockland raise the lobster price to 35 cents per Maine Lobstermen’s Association lawyer Alan Grossman defended the pound. Burgess took his time reply- (MLA),” the 70-year-old Chebeague MLA and its members during the ing but fi nally, Formisano wrote, he Island lobsterman said emphatically. court case. Alger and the other lob- said, “But the thing of it is I feel that “I believe there is strength in num- stermen called to the stand didn’t we are still living in the United States bers.” As a young man, Burgess was make the prosecutors’ job particu- and I don’t have to have anybody tell witness to one of the major events in larly easy, Burgess said with a laugh. me what I can do, not Leslie Dyer or Ernie Burgess’ boat on the mooring. the MLA’s history, the 1958 prosecu- “Th ey didn’t give any direct answers. these men here [the prosecuting law- Photo courtesy of Th e Forecaster. tion of the organization and its mem- Th ey were all playing dumb,” he ex- yers] or you or anybody else, unless bers by the federal Department of plained. I am breaking the law and then I ex- Justice on charges of price fi xing. In his book Th e Great Lobster War, pect it. But as I see it, I haven’t broke “My father [Alger Burgess] was a del- author Ronald Formisano cov- no law of any kind, and I don’t have Burgess worked in many diff erent egate back then. I remember him ers that trial in detail. At one point, to have anybody tell me what to do. I fi sheries over the years, scalloping, and the other fellows at the kitchen still hope that I am a free man.” shrimping, midwater trawling, gill- table. Th ere were two delegates from “Lobstermen have been In the end, the judge found MLA netting as well as lobstering. “Th is Chebeague, from the eastern and the president Leslie Dyer and vice-presi- is my 61st year lobstering,” he an- western neighborhoods,” Burgess kicked around for so dent Rodney Cushing guilty. Th e two nounced proudly. said. Th e MLA’s structure was set up long. I don’t remember men received fi nes and the MLA was Th e world of lobstering has changed specifi cally to represent lobstermen served with a consent decree prohib- dramatically since his youth. “When I from throughout the coast. Members anyone ever saying iting from engaging in discussing lob- was a kid, everyone had a dealer they of the board, now called directors, to me “what do you ster price or impacting lobster sup- sold to. When it slowed down, in the were charged with representing their ply. To this day Ernie Burgess speaks fall and winter, just about everyone particular stretch of the coast within h av e t o g et f or y o u r with admiration for Alan Grossman, had to borrow money from the deal- the organization. lobsters?” Th ey always the man who understood lobstermen er for whatever, fi x up your engine As a high school student, Ernie and valiantly tried to prove the MLA or something. Th e dealers had you. watched and listened to his father just tell you what the innocent of the charges. “Grossman Some guys would starve to death and other members of the fl edgling price is.” was not just a lawyer,” Burgess ex- before they’d borrow money, they MLA as the organization took shape. plained, “he was dedicated to helping were so damn independent,” Burgess When, in 1958, the elder Burgess and lobstermen. He knew we were getting said. Th e situation is better now, in other members were called to testify Grossman asked Alger Burgess if it screwed. I don’t know how they [the part because lobstermen have more in court when the MLA was accused were true that MLA president Leslie MLA] paid for him. Th ey did some choices. Burgess himself does more of breaking the Sherman Anti-Trust Dyer never told him or anyone else powerful scraping then!” than lobster now. He was one of the Act, Ernie was in the audience. “I that they had to do anything, refer- original nine Chebeaugue Island lob- Continued on page 17

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NEW BUSINESS GIVES VALUE TO LOBSTER, SHELLFISH SHELLS

By Shelley Wigglesworth as heart- and spherical-shaped pa- perweights. “Nothing goes to waste It is not often that you fi nd a business here,” he said. He even wraps items where everything from start to fi n- for shipping in recycled newspaper. ish is done entirely in America which also uses discarded shells from Maine Eco-Sea Tiles also purchases the lobsters as a main component in its backings for its popular seashell pic- products. Eco-Sea Tiles, established ture frames from Goodwill Industries, in 2009, does all of this and more. where the backs are made by people with disabilities. “I like to use and Mickey Shattow, an engineer by incorporate as many American re- training, is founder and owner of sources as possible,” Shattow said. the Eco-Sea Tiles Company in West “Everything works together nicely Kennebunk. “A few years ago, I knew that way.” I wanted to make a durable tile prod- uct with shells and I wanted to do it easily, inexpensively and as eco- Lobster shells, oyster shells and other shells make up these heart-shaped trinkets. Photo by Shelley Wigglesworth. friendly as possible,” he said. After a year of tinkering he had devel- consists of molding the shells with an ists and jewelers to work with. oped a tile that he was happy with. epoxy mixture into a selected form “I started out with tiles, but I quick- Th e tiles are composed of crushed and drying. Everything from start to ly began experimenting with other shells molded with a simple epoxy fi nish is done in a rented 1,000 square things. I am always open to new ideas mixture. Shattow uses mother-of- foot space within the old Twine Mill and uses for my products,” Shattow pearl, abalone, mussel, and oyster building on the Mousam River in said. “I’ve been amazed at how well shells as well as crushed lobster West Kennebunk. Th e production everything has been received, and I shells in Eco-Sea Tile products. Th e work is done by four employees who am interested in potentially creating shells come from sources all over the come in at diff erent intervals to pro- other stuff as well.” United States as well as other parts duce tiles, countertops, and a whole of the world, although Shattow was line of other consumer products as Th e smaller items, such as coasters, quick to point out that the majority well. drawer pulls, and picture frames, of the lobster shells used in his prod- are sold to retail shops in the United Eco-Sea Tiles makes drawer pulls, ucts come from lobster harvested States. Eco-Sea Tile’s products retail light fi xture covers, picture frames, here in the Gulf of Maine. in the $15 to $30 range. business card holders, wine stop- Th e shells are washed, crushed and pers, coasters, magnets, coff ee travel Always environmentally conscious, processed before being bagged and Shattow uses even the smallest Crushed shells take on a new life mugs and more. Th e company even in Eco-Sea Tile products. Photo by labeled for use in the production of amounts of leftover epoxy from pro- recently began creating the tiniest of Shelley Wigglesworth. tiles and other products. Production shaped and molded seashells for art- duction to create other items, such

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HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT RETURNS IN FALL

By April Gilmore Th e Aff ordable Care Act is intended qualify for a tax credit subsidy, be to off er health insurance to those sure to do so within 90 days. Here are Health insurance open enrollment previously without it and to make the some examples of income proof you ended March 31. It’s been quite a cost aff ordable by providing subsi- may use: Wages and tax statement whirlwind since October! We’ve seen dies for policy premiums. In my role (W-2); a pay stub or a slip from your the healthcare.gov Web site come as a health insurance Navigator for lobster dealer; a copy of your self-em- a long way from its rocky start that the MLA, I’ve been fortunate to see ployment ledger; a lease agreement; month. Although the issues with people who have been without cover- a copy of a check paid to a household healthcare.gov were discouraging age for 20 years enroll in an insurance member. For example, if your adult and frustrating for many, we contin- plan that will give them security and child lives at home and contributes ue to hear success stories from fami- peace of mind. I’ve also worked with to the monthly mortgage, a check lies that are using the site to fi nally families that have been able to switch made payable to you should suffi ce. secure aff ordable health insurance. to new coverage, leaving their old Another form that’s acceptable is a Th e Web site was improved in order high-deductible, high out-of-pocket bank or investment fund statement to support heavy online traffi c fl ow costs plan behind them. Under the or proof of any kind of Social Security April Gilmore is an MLA staff that culminated in March. People Aff ordable Care Act, insurance com- benefi ts. A document or letter from member trained as an ACA Navigator. had from October, 2013 until the end panies must now off er plans that cap the Social Security Administration, of March to submit applications for out-of-pocket expenses at $6,350 for a Form SSA 1099 Social Security dealer. If any of your income comes health insurance. Th ose months were an individual and $12,700 for a fam- benefi ts statement, or a letter from from freelance work, you can fi ll out a called the “initial open enrollment ily. a government agency for unemploy- self-employment ledger that includes ment benefi ts is also acceptable for your expected income. period.” If you enrolled from March 16 to income proof. If you don’t provide Th e Kaiser Family Foundation re- March 31, your coverage will begin Keep in mind that if you are still un- the requested information before the ported in January that 130,000 Maine May 1. If your coverage starts May insured in April 2014 (and do not 90 days are up, the tax credit amount residents were without health in- 1, you must make your initial pay- qualify for a special enrollment pe- could be withdrawn. You would be surance at that time. A survey con- ment to the insurance company be- riod) you could pay a tax penalty to responsible for paying the full price ducted by the Gulf of Maine Research fore your coverage begins. Be sure the IRS when you pay your taxes next for a policy without subsidies. Institute in 2006 showed that among to check with your company so you year. Th e next time you can enroll in New England’s lobstermen, a whop- don’t miss the payment deadline. Th e documents don’t necessarily the Health Insurance Marketplace is need to be dated in 2014. For exam- November, 2014. Th is open enroll- ping 25% had no health insurance for If you don’t make your fi rst premium ple, you can provide recent pay stubs ment period will run for four months, themselves or anyone in their house- payment before your coverage starts, if you don’t expect your income to and close in February, 2015. holds; in some areas of Maine nearly your application will be dropped and change in 2014. If you expect your in- 50% of lobstermen had no health you won’t be covered. If you have any questions, please call insurance. Of the Maine lobstermen come to go up or down in 2014, you me at the MLA offi ce at 967-4555. who did have health insurance, 25% If you were asked to send proof of can provide other documents, like a had only catastrophic coverage. your income to the Maine Health document that states when contract Insurance Marketplace in order to work will end or a pay slip from your

Many thanks to these fine businesses, the MLA’s Keeper members!

Allen Insurance & Gulf of Maine Lobster New England Marine & Financial Foundation Industrial Inc. Atlantic Edge Lobster Guy Cotten, Inc Novatec Braids LTD Beals-Jonesport Coop- HR Beal& Sons Inc. Penobscot Bay & River erative Holden Seafood Corp. Pilots Assn. Bell Power Systems Insterstate Lobster Co. Penobscot East Resource Inc. Center Island Fishing Gear & Buoysticks.com Auto Parts Pete’s Marine Electronics Calendar Islands Maine Island Fishermen’s PFBF CPAs Lobster LLC Wives PJ Lobster Company Cape Porpoise Lobster Island Seafood II, LLC Polyform US Co. Inc. Johns Bay Boat Co. Port Clyde Fishermen’s Chapman & Chapman Kips Seafood Co. Coop Chase Leavitt & Co. Lake Pemaquid Inc. Port Lobster Co. Chrisanda Corp. Linda Bean’s Maine Promens Saint John Coastal Documentation Lobster Quahog Lobster Inc. Conary Cove Lobster Lobster ME Ready Seafood Co. Lobster Products Inc. Red Hook Lobster Pound Cooks Lobster House Lonnie’s Hydraulic Inc. Redeem Lobster Co. Cousins Maine Lobster Maine Financial Group Rockland Savings Bank Cushing Diesel, LLC Maine Port Authority South Bristol Fishermen’s Damariscotta Bank & Cooperative Trust Co. Maine Sea Grant Superior Bait and Salt DB Rice Fisheries Marine Hydraulic Engi- neering Co. Inc. Superior Marine Products Eastern Tire & Auto Inc. Service Midcoast Marine Elec- tronics The Compass Insurance Eaton Trap Co. Inc. Midcoast Marine Supply Group Finestkind Scenic The First NA Cruises Millers Wharf Lobster WD Matthews Machinery F W Thurston Co. Inc. Mount Desert Ocean- arium Co. Georgetown Fisher- Weirs Motor Sales Inc. men’s Coop Nautilus Marine Fabrica- tion Inc. Williams CPA Group Gill Crustacean Bait Newcastle Chrysler- LLC Glens Lobster Co. Dodge-Jeep Worcesters Lobster Bait Grundens USA Ltd April 2014 | LANDINGS | Page 7

MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION UPDATE

Maine Lobstermen’s STEAMING AHEAD To V-notch or not to V-notch, that is the question. And V-notching and only eggers are being thrown back. Th is Association it’s a question being asked by more and more lobstermen scenario resulted in a slightly faster resource collapse than ••• along the coast. According to data collected through the the S2 version. Advocating for a Department of Marine Resources’ sea sampling program, Now, we all know that many scientifi c predictions prove sustainable lobster resource fewer and fewer lobstermen are V-notching each year. not to be true. But this prediction uses data collected in and the fi shermen and Statewide, the percentage of egg-bearing lobsters with a collaboration with Maine’s commercial lobstermen and communities that depend V-notch peaked in 2008, when 82% of those sampled were uses a model that Maine’s lobster industry pushed for, the V-notched. Th at rate dropped to only 61% in 2013. Th e very model used in the current stock assessment which on it since 1954. V-notching rate also varies signifi cantly depending on shows a healthy lobster resource! If lobstermen continue where you fi sh. Zone F fared the best in 2013 with 70% of to choose not to V-notch, the lobster resource could be egg-bearing females notched while Zone A was the worst headed for a serious downturn. President: David Cousens at only 50% V-notched. So. Th omaston, 207.594.7518 Zone 2013 Vnotch Rate Peak Vnotch Rate 1st VP: Jim Dow F 70% 89% Bass Harbor, 207.288.9846 2nd VP: Kristan Porter C 67% 90% Cutler, 207.259.3306 D 64% 85% Sec/Treasurer: Arnold Gamage, Jr. E 62% 82% So. Bristol, 207.644.8110 B 58% 93% Directors G 57% 73% Bob Baines, Spruce Head, 596.0177 A 50% 77% Dwight Carver, Beals, 497.2895 Source: DMR Gerry Cushman, Port Clyde, 372.6429 V-notch scenarios Jim Henderson, Camp Ellis, 468.4363 I’ve heard lobstermen give lots of reasons why they are Robert Ingalls, Bucks Harbor, 255.3418 notching less these days. Some think that there are just too S1: Status Quo (2007-2011) many V-notched lobsters on bottom and we simply don’t Mark Jones, Boothbay, 633.6054 S2: 50% below status quo Jason Joyce, Swan’s Island, 526.4109 need anymore; others fear that the resource is at risk of dis- S3: Discard eggers only Jack Merrill, Islesford, 244.4187 ease because there are too many lobsters on bottom; oth- ers are just too busy to take the time to notch due to the Tad Miller, Matinicus, 372.6941 Several generations of lobstermen diligently V-notched volume of lobster being handled; others don’t feel that it is Willis Spear, Yarmouth, 846.9279 lobsters because they believed it was the right thing to do. Jay Smith, Nobleboro, 563.5208 being enforced fairly so they have lost interest. Th ey V-notched lobsters during lean years, when the land- Craig Stewart, Long Island, 846.3158 Maine’s chief lobster biologist, Carl Wilson, gave a presen- ings were marginal and profi ts thin. Over many past dec- Elliott Th omas, Yarmouth, 846.6201 tation at the MLA annual meeting showing these declines ades, these lobstermen chose to sacrifi ce landing female John Williams, Stonington, 367.2731 in the V-notching rate recorded through the sea sampling lobsters because they wanted to ensure a healthy resource Donald Young, Cushing, 354.6404 program. Wilson explained that the V-notch rate now plays Jack Young, Vinalhaven, 863.4905 for the next generation. Th at goal didn’t happen quickly. It a key role in how scientists assess the lobster stock. When has taken many, many years to build the Maine lobster re- fewer female lobsters are observed with a notch, that data source up to its current record level of abundance. goes directly into the model. Th e MLA and DMR wanted Now, many contend that since the lobster resource is at Staff these changes in how the lobster stock is assessed because an historically high abundance, maybe it won’t matter if ••• they give weight to Maine’s long-standing conservation we slack off on V-notching for while. Well, what if you are Executive Director measure. Th ey came about after much lobbying during the wrong? What if this model prediction is right? Can we af- Patrice McCarron 1990s. [email protected] ford to take that chance? According to Wilson, Maine’s eff orts to V-notch lobster re- Th e MLA has been a steadfast proponent of and advocate Navigator ally do matter in terms of the long-term abundance of lob- April Gilmore for V-notching. We even gave out V-notch tools as door ster populations. DMR scientists used the V-notching data [email protected] prizes at the annual meeting this year to help promote to run a few scenarios through the stock assessment model V-notching. Previous generations of lobstermen made fi - Executive Assistant to see just how much it matters to the future of the stock. nancial sacrifi ces on your behalf by V-notching lobsters, Sarah Paquette While just a model which Wilson characterized as a “best [email protected] essentially putting some landings in the bank for the fu- guess,” it showed that a reduction in the V-notching rate ture. could have dire impacts on the stock in future years. Today’s lobstermen have that legacy to think about as well Th ree scenarios were tested. Th e fi rst (S1) assumed that as the future well-being of their own children and grand- the V-notch rate was the same as that observed from 2007 Maine Lobstermen’s children. Nothing lasts forever, so please, keep Maine’s to 2011. Th is scenario predicted that the resource will peak Association V-notching tradition strong. Y ou are the ones who can within ten years and then stabilize over the long term. Th e conserve this amazing lobster resource for the next gen- 203 Lafayette Center second scenario (S2) assumed that lobstermen cut their eration. Kennebunk, ME 04043 rate of V-notching in half compared to the 2007 to 2011 pe- [email protected] riod. Th is scenario resulted in a short- and medium-term 207.967.4555 decline in the resource, and a resource collapse within As always, stay safe on the water. www.mainelobstermen.org 30 years. Th e third scenario (S3) assumed that there is no

MLA ANNUAL MEETING Kittery, Shane Carter of Bar Harbor MLA members elect board members; Board of Directors’ and Brian McLain of New Harbor – nominations from members close in meeting schedule More than one hundred members of for their service to the industry. February; no nominations will be ac- All meetings take place at the Maine Lobstermen’s Association MLA executive director Patrice cepted from the fl oor during the an- Darby’s Restaurant, Belfast. (MLA) fi lled a room at the Samoset McCarron reviewed changes made nual meeting. She reiterated that all Resort in Rockport for the organiza- to MLA bylaws and policies. Th e board meetings are open to all MLA April 9, noon tion’s annual meeting on February 28, number of board members has been members as well as the public. Board May 7, 5 p.m. at the start of the Maine Fishermen’s capped at 21; she reminded mem- membership emphasizes diversity of age and geography; all directors are June 4, 5 p.m. Forum. MLA president David bers that only licensed Maine com- Cousens introduced the current mercial lobstermen who are mem- required to attend at least four board July 2, 5 p.m. board of directors and thanked four bers in good standing can vote or meetings each year. outgoing board members -- Michael serve on the MLA board. Th e elec- Myrick of Cushing, Brad Parady of tion procedures have been clarifi ed: Continued on page 8 Page 8 | LANDINGS | April 2014

MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION UPDATE

Dwight Carver, Jason Joyce, and and see results,” he said. “You make marking requirements and agreed to Donny Young, of whom are current- a sacrifi ce today for long-term ben- trawling up measures by zone in fed- ly serving on the board, were this efi ts.” V-notching became mandatory eral waters, and 1/3 mile exemption year’s nominees for three-year terms. in 2002. Wilson noted that in 2008, areas around islands. Patrice noted Clayton Howard called for a motion 82% of egg-bearing females were that the latest right whale stock as- to close the nomination process; the V-notched. Th at number has dropped sessment showed that injuries and motion was seconded. He then called year by year; only 61% of eggers sam- mortality attributed to fi shing aver- for a motion to accept the slate of pled in 2013 bore a V-notch. age 3.25 whales per year, while the candidates; the motion was second- “V-notching allows the female to law allows an average of less than one ed; unanimous vote in favor. grow larger. A larger female means whale per year. Patrice gave an overview of MLA ac- more eggs,” Wilson said. Th e model Two proposed dredging projects tivities to date. “It’s been a hard year,” used by the Atlantic States Marine in Searsport have raised concerns she said. “We’ve had to deal with dif- Fisheries Commission to assess the among fi shermen and local residents. fi cult issues. I want to recognize the health of lobster stocks incorporates Some of the spoils from dredging MLA board members at a recent meeting. board for their hard work.” She noted the rate of V-notching. “We are work- around the ship piers at Sears Island Photo by Annie Tselikis. the benefi ts that MLA members re- ing on the next stock assessment have shown contamination, and the ceive from their membership: the 24- for lobster. Th e lower V-notch rate application has been withdrawn. Th e cerned about what might happen page monthly newspaper Landings is being factored in. Diff erent sce- state-sponsored proposal to dredge a to their local fi shery if the project which is now published by the Maine narios show diff erent declines. If the 40-foot channel in Searsport has un- takes place. Based on the concerns Lobstermen’s Community Alliance; rate is 50% down, then in 30 years dergone several studies including a expressed by lobstermen, the goal of an eweekly including a summary of the population crashes.” He likened Feasibility Study and Environmental the meeting should: V-notching to putting money in the Assessment. Th e spoils at this site lobster news headlines and a weekly Provide an overview of the project; bank for the future, providing a buff - have been tested and found to be lobster, bait and fuel report for New its history and why the project is pro- er for future potentially leaner times. within federal standards established England and Maritime Canada; a dis- posed at this scale; count program for members at MLA Wilson also noted a dramatic in- under the Clean Water Act and are Provide an overview of the work done member businesses; and the MLA crease in the incidence of shell dis- proposed to be disposed of at the to test the dredge spoils; how was it Web site and Facebook page. ease among sampled lobsters. More Penobscot Bay disposal site. To date, done and what was found. How do than 1% of lobsters in the western these projects are still under review In addition, the MLA is involved in the contamination levels compare to lobster zones show shell disease; and no permits have been issued. projects that directly benefi t lob- other projects conducted in Maine, the highest occurrence was found in Th e MLA is continuing to review in- stermen, such as the TAA program or in areas where there are commer- zone G at a rate of 4%. Th e same rate formation on the projects and has through which 1,860 Maine lobster- cial fi sheries? How do the contami- of shell disease is showing up in sub- requested a meeting geared toward men completed a business plan, nation levels of the proposed dredge legal lobsters as well, indicating that answering concerns voiced by fi sher- bringing $5.6 million to Maine’s lob- site compare to the contamination of the disease is endemic in those areas. men. ster industry to date, and health the sediments at the proposed dump “Shell disease comes from bacteria David Cousens made a motion to insurance counseling instituted site? through the Aff ordable Care Act. “We that are in the water all the time. So waive reading of last year’s minutes; Explain how the contaminated sedi- got in to it because many lobster- if you fi nd one, don’t cook it or toss it the motion was seconded; unani- ments found in the Penobscot River men don’t have health insurance,” in the dumpster. Th ey will molt out of mous in favor. Th en door and V-notch [see March issue of Landings] play McCarron stated. Tracking ever- it,” Wilson said. survey prizes were given out. Th e into this dredge project? How did more complex issues related to the Patrice then spoke about activities in door prizes included lobster traps the methodologies used to test spoils Gulf of Maine and dealing with media the Legislature last year and what is from Brooks Trap Mill and Friendship through the court study diff er from inquiries take increasingly greater coming up in the spring session. She Trap, Brooks sweatshirts and hats, those used for the dredge study? amounts of time on the part of staff , noted that the lobster marketing bill MLA hats and t-shirts, V-notch tools McCarron continued. went through, leading to creation of and free Drill Conductor courses, Explain the Clean Water Act stand- Cajun spices and knives. Th e MLA ard that the spoils must meet in or- Th e MLA’s sister organization, the the new Maine Lobster Marketing Collaboration. Th e St. Croix River thanks Brooks Trap Mill, Friendship der to be disposed of at sea; Maine Lobstermen’s Community Trap and McMillan Off shore Survival was reopened to alewife passage; Provide background on the Alliance (MLCA), has also had a very for their generous support of the Swan’s Island lobstermen increased Penobscot Bay disposal site, why it full year. Th e non-profi t MLCA con- MLA Annual meeting. ducts research and educational work. their trap limit; lobster zone coun- was designated, what are the other Th is year it began a quality standards cils were given the ability to set en- Th e door prize winners were: Tad options, what is known about this project, meeting with lobstermen try/exit ratios based on licenses or Miller of Matinicus; Jack Young of site and what the impacts of disposal and dock workers to discuss elements trap tags; and the bill to allow drag- Vinalhaven; T.J. Faulkingham of at this site? ger caught lobster to be landed in Belfast; Jim Henderson of Saco; that ensure the health of lobster once Discuss how does the process under- Maine was soundly defeated. In the Sonny Beal of Beals; John Tarbox of caught. “We found that there is no way in Searsport compare with the spring session, the Marine Resources Bath; Jerry Doughty of Vinalhaven; standard for what quality means,” process used for other Maine dredge Committee will be again looking at John Tripp of Spruce Head; Travis McCarron said. “Th at’s a problem projects of similar scope? when you realize that we lose at least the lobster licensing system and is Reynolds of Spruce Head; Steve Explain the research has been done 3% of the catch every year to shrink.” seeking input on possible changes Rosen of Vinalhaven; Dave Th omas at the proposed dump site to en- In another project, the MLCA and the now. Th e MLA weighed in on leg- of Islesford; David Black of Belfast; sure that disposal will not interfere New England Aquarium are working islation to ban two pesticides used Dan Staples of Cushing; Willis Spear with the local lobster fi shery. What together to determine what right to control mosquitoes, and instead of Yarmouth; Jason Hooper of South research has been conducted to un- whales see underwater. Th us far it supported undertaking research by Th omaston. Th e MLA V-notch Survey derstand and monitor the impacts on appears that they can see and avoid the state to study which pesticides drawing for free 2015 MLA mem- lobster fi sheries around other dredge endlines colored red or orange bet- pose the most danger to marine or- berships went to Charles Dillon of projects? ter than any other color. Th e MLCA ganisms. Th e research will begin this Bernard and Chris Door of Milbridge. is also kicking off a Leadership pro- summer and the Board of Pesticides Discuss the potential consequences gram for young Maine lobstermen Control will provide an interim re- SEARSPORT DREDGE for local fi sheries if the project is not with a visit to Prince Edward Island port on the progress of the research to PROPOSAL conducted and the safety concerns later this spring. the legislative committee in January, from ship pilots’ perspective? 2015. Th e MLA supported legislation Th e MLA has requested that Maine Th e meeting will take place in late Carl Wilson, DMR lobster biolo- to study the impacts of ocean acidifi - Department of Transportation or- April or early May in the Belfast area. gist, then gave a talk on the state of cation in Maine. the lobster stock. He emphasized ganize an informational meeting for At the federal level, new rules con- the importance of V-notching egg- local lobstermen this spring pertain- LOBSTER TOWN MEETING bearing female lobsters as a con- cerning protection of endangered ing to dredging in Searsport. Th e servation method. “It’s something whales will be promulgated in July. MLA knows that local lobstermen Th e Lobster Instituted hosted its that lobstermen can participate in Th e MLA in concert with DMR op- have many questions and are con- posed suggested closures and gear annual Town Meeting in March in April 2014 | LANDINGS | Page 9

MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION UPDATE

Portland, Maine, with lobster in- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE TAA UPDATE ence centers, and twelve laboratories dustry representatives from the U.S. in fi fteen states and U.S. territories. and Canada. Th e meeting included Th e Marine Resources Committee Th ere is still no offi cial word on the Representatives from the MLA met four discussion sessions entitled: held a public hearing on LD 1830 amount or timing of the fi nal pay- with Ms. Sobeck and her staff during 1) Aiming for consistent catch; 2) An Act To Promote Rockweed ment due to those who completed the Maine Fishermen’s Forum. MLA Sustainability for today and tomor- Habitat Conservation through the all components of the TAA pro- provided an overview of the status row – supply and demand, a world Consideration of No-harvest Areas. gram. MLA remains in frequent con- of Maine’s lobster fi shery and raised view; 3) Handling for quality and Th e bill proposes that the state’s tact with offi cials from the Foreign concerns about the whale plan, lack dockside grading; and 4) Marketing. seaweed management plan use the Agriculture Service (FAS), the agency of funding for research, and the Th e meeting drew a diverse audience impact of rockweed harvesting on working to fi nalize and distribute the status of the shrimp fi shery. MLA including harvesters, lobster buyers conserved lands as a criteria, in addi- payment. Due to unforeseen issues, stressed the need for NOAA to more and offi cials from both the U.S. and tion to other requirements. Th e MLA the appeals process has been ongo- inclusive of stakeholders and respon- Canada. Th e meeting emphasized the strongly opposed setting a precedent ing and will not be fi nalized until all sive to their concerns. need for all sectors of the industry to that ties the impacts of marine re- outstanding cases are closed. While Early in her career, Sobeck worked in overcome distrust and work together source harvest to impacts on private- this process is nearing completion, the NOAA Offi ce of General Counsel to maintain high-quality lobsters and ly held land. the MLA has been told that it’s un- from 1979 to 1984. She next served to provide benefi ts to harvesters who LD 1678 An Act To Protect Maine’s clear when it will be fi nalized. Final at the U.S. Department of Justice, land high-quality product. Lobster Fishery, which proposed to payments will be routed directly into Environment, and Natural Resources prohibit the use of methoprene and TAA participants’ bank accounts on Division from 1984 to 2009. She re- PENOBSCOT RIVER resmethrin if the chemical would en- fi le with the county Farm Service cently served as acting assistant CLOSURE ter the waters of the Gulf of Maine, Agency (FSA) offi ces. secretary of the Department of the was not approved by the Legislature. Th e fi nal payment, or true up pay- Interior’s Offi ce of Insular Aff airs Th e DMR held a public hearing on Instead, the Committee sent a letter ment, will be paid to those who com- and deputy assistant secretary for March 17 to hear comment from to the Board of Pesticides Control pleted the full TAA program by divid- Fish and Wildlife and Parks at the stakeholders on the small closure in in support of the plan to convene ing up the funds left over as a result of Department of the Interior since the Penobscot River. No one at the an Environmental Risk Advisory those who did not complete the full 2009. Ms. Sobeck has a law degree public hearing testifi ed against the Committee (ERAC) to look at all pes- program. Th is means that FAS must from Stanford. closure. ticides and assess potential adverse have the fi nal numbers on how many impacts of pesticide use on the state’s have completed each phase of the FINAL 2014 HERRING lobster resource. Th e BPC will col- program, and how many completed DMR OUTREACH MEETINGS ANNUAL CATCH LIMITS laborate with DMR to identify high the full program and qualify for a priority areas for sampling to iden- “true-up” payment to be paid out DMR Commissioner Pat Keliher tify which pesticides are most preva- from the balance of funds. MLA will Herring Annual Catch Limits (ACL) kicked off in March a series of out- lent in the marine environment. Th e notify all TAA participants via email, for 2014 have been adjusted to ac- reach meetings with the lobster MLA will participate in the ERAC and through the newsletter, when the count for catch overages and under- industry. Th e meetings are part of and strongly supports this work. Th is fi nal payment is issued. harvest in 2012. After deducting the his commitment to bring informa- research should serve as the basis of overages and adding the carry-over tion to the industry and have a dia- amount to the sub-ACLs, the total future regulations to reduce the risk MLA MEETS NEW NOAA logue about potential changes and of pesticides to commercial fi sheries. catch available to the herring fl eet is are designed to follow up on indus- LEADER reduced by 477 metric tons. try discussions begun last year. Th e Th e Marine Resource Committee sup- meetings’ agenda includes a review ported an amended LD 1602 to estab- In January, Eileen Sobeck was named the 2013 Lobster Settlement Survey lish a committee to study the eff ects assistant administrator for NOAA which shows a decline in lobster set- of ocean acidifi cation on Maine’s ma- Fisheries, replacing Samuel Rauch 2014 Herring Quotas (mt) rine resources. Th e resolve establish- who served as the assistant admin- es a 16-member committee “to iden- istrator since 2012. Mr. Rauch will tify the scientifi c data and knowledge return to his previous position as 2014 gaps that hinder Maine’s ability to deputy assistant administrator for Area 2014 Adjustment craft policy and other responses to Regulatory Programs. As assistant Area 1A 31,200 33,967 coastal and ocean acidifi cation and administrator, Sobeck will oversee prioritize the strategies for fi lling the management and conservation Area 1B 4,600 3,016 those gaps and to provide policies of recreational and commercial fi sh- Area 2 30,000 29,664 and tools to respond to the adverse eries, the protection of marine mam- Area 3 42,000 40,675 eff ects of coastal and ocean acidifi - mals, and coastal fi sheries habitat cation on commercially important within the U.S Exclusive Economic Total 107,800 107,322 fi sheries and Maine’s shellfi sh aqua- Zone. NOAA Fisheries employs 4,800 culture industry,” and to seek funding people in fi ve regional offi ces, six sci- to complete this work. Th e commis- sion will provide a report, including suggested legislation, by December 5. Th e MLA supports this eff ort.

DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher No action has been taken on LD 1544, Keep your meeting with Julie Eaton of Stonington at An Act To Address Entry into Lobster traps fishing a March meeting in Rockland. Photo by Management Zones. Th e Committee even when Melissa Waterman. you can’t get is awaiting feedback from the DMR to ‘em! All Natural Salted Hairless Cowhide Commissioner following outreach tlement over the last three years, oth- meetings with the lobster industry LONG-LASTING and AFFORDABLE er scientifi c monitoring information, this winter. Th e Marine Resources LOBSTER BAIT and an update on shell disease rates. Committee identifi ed three major Th e discussion is intended to set the issues of concern: 1) latent eff ort; 2) Available in 30 gal. drums or 5 gal. pailss stage for discussion of developing a long waiting lists; and 3) the need www.bessybait.com Fisheries Management Plan for the to minimize the impact of potential Phone: 603.300.2846 or 603.300.2849 lobster fi shery. Th e fi nal of the eleven landings decline based on decline in Email: meetings was held in early April. the lobster settlement index. [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 Page 10 | LANDINGS | April 2014

MLA SELECT BUSINESS MEMBERS Show your support for these businesses!

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Stewart Workman orders. 370 East Eagle St. 358 Douglas Highway East Boston , MA 02128 REFRIGERATION SERVICES Lamoine, ME 04605 617-569-3200 207-667-7427 HYDRAULICS paula@channelfi shco.com Applied Refrigeration Services [email protected] www.channelfi shco.com 7C Commons Ave. www.swboatworks.com Coastal Hydraulics Inc Windham, ME 04062 207-893-0145 Show MLA member card to receive $500 dis- PO Box 2832 Cozy Harbor Seafood Inc [email protected] count on new hull or top. Seabrook, NH 03874 PO Box 389 www.appliedrefrigeration.com 603-474-1914 Portland, ME 04112 $250 off new installations. [email protected] 207-879-2665 EDUCATIONAL & TRADE SHOWS 10% discount on all in-stock items for MLA [email protected] members. www.cozyharbor.com RESTAURANTS Maine Maritime Museum 243 Washington St Hews Company LLC Craig’s All Natural LLC Barnacle Billys Inc. Bath, ME 04530 190 Rumery St. 25 Winecellar Rd. PO Box 837 207-443-1316 South Portland, ME 04106 Durham, NH 03824 Ogunquit , ME 03907 [email protected] 207-767-2136/800-234-4397 603-397-5331 207-646-5575 www.mainemaritimemuseum.org [email protected] www.hewsco.com [email protected] [email protected] www.barnbilly.com Free admission to MLA members. 10% off hydraulic components and Cable Craft www.craigsallnatural.com cables in 2013. 10% discount on All Victoinox Cutlery Newick’s Hospitality Group, Inc. Penobscot Marine Museum 431 Dover Point Rd . PO Box 498, 5 Church St Cranberry Isles Fishermens Coop Dover, NH 03820 Searsport, ME 04974 INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS PO Box 258 603-742-3205 207-548-2529 Islesford, ME 04646 [email protected] www.newicks.com [email protected] Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative 207-244-5438 www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org 2 Union St. [email protected] Th e Clam Shack Free admission to MLA members. Portland, ME 04101 207-541-9310 PO Box 6200 [email protected] Little Bay Lobster Inc. Kennebunkport, ME 04046 www.lobsterfrommaine.com 158 Shattuck Way 207-967-3321 ELECTRONICS Newington, NH 03801 603-431-3170 [email protected] [email protected] www.theclamshack.net Sawyer & Whitten Marine INSURANCE www.littlebaylobster.com 36 Union Wharf # 9 Orion Seafood International Portland, ME 04101 Smithwick & Mariners Insurance SAFTEY TRAINING 20 Ladd Street, 3rd Floor & 366 US Route 1 Portsmouth, NH 03801 118 Tillson Ave. Falmouth , ME 04105 McMillan Off shore Survival Training 603-433-2220 Rockland, ME 04841 207-781-5553/800-370-1883 PO Box 411 [email protected] 207-879-4500 [email protected] Belfast, ME 04915 www.orionseafood.com [email protected] www.smithwick-ins.com 207-338-1603 10% discount on non-sale items. Discounted vessel insurance for MLA mem- jmcmillan@mcmillanoff shore.com Spruce Head Fishermen’s Coop bers. Additional 5% discount with proof www.mcmillanoff shore.com 275 Island Rd of completing a C.G. Fishing Vessel Drill 10% discount on C.G. Drill Conductor training. South Th omaston, ME 04858 FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT Conductor course within the last 5 years. 207-594-8029 [email protected] Farm Credit of Maine ACA SALT 615 Minot Ave. LEGAL SERVICES Stonington Lobster Coop Auburn, ME 04210 PO Box 87 Maine Salt Company 800-831-4230 J. Scott Logan LLC Stonington, ME 04681 677 Coldbrook Rd. www.farmcreditmaine.com 75 Pearl Street 207-367-2286 Hermon, ME 04401 Portland, ME 04101 www.stoningtonlobstercoop.com 207-848-3796 www.mainesalt.com 207-699-1314 20% discount on foreclosure defense, bank- Swans Island Fishermens Coop TRAP BUILDERS/STOCK SUPPLIES ruptcy legal fees. PO Box 116 Swans Island, ME 04685 Brooks Trap Mill 207-526-4327 211 Beechwood St [email protected] Th omaston, ME 04861 207-354-8763 THE MLA WORKS FOR YOU Weathervane Seafoods Inc [email protected] 31 Badgers Island West www.brookstrapmill.com Kittery, ME 03904 “Lobstering is my livelihood and has 207-439-0920 Friendship Trap Company been my family’s livelihood for a long [email protected] 570 Cushing Rd. Friendship, ME 04547 time. I’ve been around long enough www.weathervaneseafoods.com 10% off retail & mail orders for MLA members. 207-354-2545/800-451-1200 WRUHDOL]HWKDWWKH0/$LVLQÁXHQWLDO [email protected] LQDORWWKDWKHOSVÀVKHUPHQµ Winter Harbor Fishermen’s Coop www.friendshiptrap.com 23 Pedleton Rd. 5% off list price on traps purchased at the Winter Harbor, ME 04693 Friendship store. Jason Joyce, Swan’s Island 207-963-5857 [email protected] Sea Rose Trap Co. 10% off fresh picked lobster meat. 137 Pleasant Hill Rd. Scarborough, ME 04074 207-730-2063 [email protected] www.searosetrap.com 5% off list price on traps to MLA members Become a member. Let your voice be heard. [email protected] // www.mainelobstermen.org // 207-967-4555 April 2014 | LANDINGS | Page 11

2013 Landings continued from page 1 ster in 2013 was $364 million, a $22 million increase over 2012 and $30 million over 2011. 2013 FISHERY STATISTICS For the fi rst time, the department is reporting bonuses received by lobster 2013 Lobster Landings by 2013 Top Ten Ports By harvesters which, while they only include reports from 17 of Maine’s 19 co- County Ex-vessel Value ops, total over $14 million. “While this fi gure is not complete, it does provide a better indication of the overall economic benefi t of this fi shery,” said Keliher. Added to the overall landed value, the bonus fi gure brings the total to more Cumberland 12,041,348 Stonington $48,940,000 than $378 million. Th e Department reports that there were 7,320 commercial Hancock 43,906,928 Portland $31,000,000 fi shermen in 2013, and of those 4,239 were active commercial lobster harvest- ers. Lobstermen credit conservation measures for keeping the fi shery healthy Knox 33,625,363 Vinalhaven $30,600,000 at a time when the region’s groundfi sh – cod, haddock and other species – have Lincoln 6,083,152 Beals $15,080,000 been decimated by overfi shing. Sagadahoc 2,077,077 Rockland $14,850,000 Waldo 688,306 Friendship $13,020,000 Washington 23,666,416 Spruce Head $11,370,000 York 3,865,287 Jonesport $11,220,000 Port Clyde $9,040,000 Maine Active Commercial Harvesters 2013 Bass Harbor $8,900,000

Lobster/crab 4,239 Soft shell clams 1,749 Eel 759 Marine worms 652 Periwinkle 613

Individual Membership Levels: MLA MEMBERSHIP FORM Mail with payment to: MLA, 203 Lafayette Center, Kennebunk, ME 04043 Highliner $225 Harvester $125 Please Print: Harvester Family* $200 Name: ______Junior/Senior Harvester $65 Business Name: ______Friend of the MLA $50 Address: ______Business Members Levels: City/State/Zip: ______Select $500 Phone: ______Cell: ______Keeper $175 Email: ______Additional Contributions: (Please include to receive weekly e-news updates and lobster, bait & fuel prices) Donation $ Boat Name: ______MLA Legal Defense Fund $ Lobster License #: ______Zone & Dist______Separate check payable to MLA Legal Defense Fund * Family Members: ______JOIN ONLINE TODAY AT WWW.MAINELOBSTERMEN.ORG! QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? 207-967-4555, [email protected] Page 12 | LANDINGS | April 2014

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Present your MLA membership card at the following businesses and MLA MEMBERS DISCOUNT receive generous discounts! DIRECTORY Accutech Marine Propeller, Inc. Hews Company North Atlantic Power Products Dover, NH -- 20% off propeller repair. Discounts South Portland, ME -- 10% off all hydraulic Exeter, NH -- 10% off service repairs of twin disc vary by manufacturer for new propellers,shafting components and Cable Craft cables in 2014. transmissions. and other hardware. /DZ2IÀFHRI-6FRWW/RJDQ//& Penobscot Marine Museum Aikido Bay, Inc Portland, ME -- 20% discount on foreclosure Searsport, ME -- Free admission for MLA mem- Portland, ME -- No annual fees for 2014. 10% off defense and bankruptcy legal fees. bers. annual fees in 2015. 0DLQH&DPS2XWÀWWHUV Sawyer & Whitten Marine Applied Refrigeration Services Sunset, ME -- 10% off all apparel and promotional Portland & Rockland, ME --10% discount from Windham, ME -- $250 off new installations. product orders. regular MSRP pricing (doesn’t apply to sale items) Bessy Bait, LLC Maine Lobstermen’s Association Sea Rose Trap Co. Seabrook, NH -- $5 off each barrel on multiple Kennebunk, ME--10% off to harvesters on MLA Scarborough, ME -- 5% off trap list price when barrel purchases at the Seabrook NH location merchandise. you show your MLA card. with proof of MLA membership. Maine Maritime Museum Smithwick & Mariners Insurance Coastal Hydraulics Bath, ME -- Free admission to MLA members. Falmouth, ME -- Discounted vessel insurance plus Seabrook, NH -- 10% discount on all in stock 5% discount with proof of CG approved Drill items for MLA members. McMillan Offshore Survival Training Conductor course within the last 5 years. Belfast, ME -- 10% discount on USCG Drill Con- Commercial Fisheries News ductor training. SW Boatworks Deer Isle, ME -- Discounted annual subscription Lamonie, ME -- Show MLA card to receive rate for $18.75 with MLA membership noted on Mount Desert Oceanarium $500.00 discount on a new hull or top. check. Southwest Harbor, ME -- Free admission for com- PHUFLDOÀVKHUPHQDQGWKHLUIDPLOLHV Weathervane Seafood Inc. Craig’s All Natural Kittery, ME – 10% off retail and mail order Durham, NH -- 10% discount on all Victoinox National Fisherman purchases. Just mention you are an MLA member. Cutlery. North Hollywood, CA -- Special annual subscrip- 1-800-914-1774. tion rate. Friendship Trap Company Friendship, ME -- 5% off list price on traps at the Nicholas H Walsh, PA Friendship store. Portland, ME -- 25% off legal services. April 2014 | LANDINGS | Page 15

REMARKABLE PEOPLE: Togue Brawn, Portland

By Melissa Waterman fi shery],” Brawn explained. Togue Brawn exudes enthusiasm. She Regulations require scallops to be explains cheerfully that she has been shucked at sea but Brawn successful- described as “70 percent cheerleader ly petitioned DMR to allow her to sell and 30 percent RoboCop” as she leads scallops on their shell. Brawn then a visitor to her small upstairs offi ce took the live scallops-in-the-shell to on Union Wharf in Portland. Brawn, chefs at high end restaurants in the 43, is the founder of Maine Dayboat state to drum up business for the Scallops, a one-person business new product. that she established in 2011. From A short mention of her company in December to March, Brawn buys the New York Times in February this scallops from fi shermen through- year has brought Brawn a bounty of out the Maine coast. Th e scallops new orders. “I’ve got to do a busi- are shipped to customers within 24 ness plan,” she laughs. Most business hours of harvesting. Every week or so people readily admit that the goal of Brawn will drive to New York City to their particular business is to make deliver fresh scallops to people who money. Not Brawn. “My goal is to have placed advance orders with her. Togue Brawn outside her offi ce and in her element on Union Wharf in Portland. change the fi shery, to allow the fi sh- Th e company’s motto: “Taste what a Photo by Melissa Waterman. ermen to make more profi t and keep diff erence a day makes!” it sustainable,” she emphasizes. “I my dad couldn’t pay me. But I had a She started attending Scallop want to see scallop licenses become Brawn is passionate about her scal- great time. I’d walk into a coff ee shop Advisory Committee meetings in more valuable than lobster licenses. lops. But the road to becoming a scal- somewhere like Jonesport with a lob- Augusta, bringing cookies and oc- You could make your whole living in lop buyer was a somewhat convolut- ster trap and the bait cup. Pretty soon casionally a supper of home-made the winter.” ed one, as Brawn rapidly explained. “I guys would be coming up and asking clam cakes. She urged the commit- grew up in Cape Elizabeth and went about it,” Brawn recalled. “I’m good tee to hold its meetings along the And her name, Togue? Th at name off to Duke University,” she began. at selling someone else’s product if I coast where the fi shermen lived and came about as a result of a late night Brawn’s mother and father, Pat and know that I am doing someone a fa- arranged a DMR van for transporta- chat her fi rst year in college. When Peter, were both teachers. Her father, vor by introducing them to it.” tion. Th e committee eventually de- asked what she most wanted to ac- also a registered Maine Guide, lob- complish in her life, Brawn answered Ultimately her father’s enterprise cided to cut the season for scallops, stered during the summer months. simply: I want to catch a togue [a folded. Brawn then opened up institute three year closures at se- When Brawn graduated from Duke, type of lake trout]. Over the years her a lobster and clam cake cart on lected sites along the coast and start she returned to Maine looking for a Maine Guide father had brought his Commercial Street in Portland called an enhancement program to reseed job. One day she saw an advertise- daughter on many a canoe trip and “Togue’s Own” and continued wait- scallop growing areas with spat. ment for a customer service posi- fi shing expedition. On these trips he ressing at J’s Oyster House. At the “I loved the job because I was mak- tion for seafood trade shows staged explained to Brawn that it was quite same time she applied to several ing a diff erence,” Brawn emphasized. by Diversifi ed Communications of a feat to catch a togue and if she man- graduate schools to study fi sheries. “I love solving problems and I love aged to do so, he would take it back She decided to attend the University the fi shing industry. And I don’t mind to camp and stuff it with hamburger of Maine where she studied under confl ict.” Brawn planned to work for for supper! “Th at’s what I wanted to economist Ralph Townsend. “He do. I found out later that togue is a was a hard-ass economist,” Brawn “I want to see scallop name used just in Maine, not else- explained. “I got three compliments where. And I adopted it,” she said. “I from him the entire time I was there. licenses become more still haven’t caught one though.” He looked at economic effi ciency [in valuable than lobster fi sheries]. He didn’t let emotion cloud things.” licenses. You could With a Master’s degree in fi sher- make your whole living Brawn is marketing a new product ies policy, Brawn looked for work in in the winter.” to her customers, raw scallops on the her fi eld. She applied for positions in half shell. Photo courtesy of Maine Alaska and Washington D.C., took a Dayboat Scallops. short-term job at the Gulf of Maine the state for one year and then start Research Institute and consulted her own business. Th at one year turned into four. When she left DMR Portland. One of the requirements for the Massachusetts Fishermen’s in 2011 she cashed in her state pen- was the ability to speak French, a Partnership. In 2007 she was hired for sion fund and set up Maine Dayboat skill Brawn had mastered as an au a contract position at DMR and then Scallops. Th e premise? Th at people pair in Switzerland. “I had to an- was hired as the agency’s resource will pay more money for high quality swer the phone in French, really bad management coordinator. “And I scallops harvested by known fi sher- French,” she laughed. Brawn soon found scallops,” Brawn said with a big men and that are delivered promptly moved into the company’s sales di- smile. after harvest. “I wanted to get drag- vision where she thrived. Eventually Scallop fi shing is work that many gers as much money [for their scal- her boss moved on to another trade Maine fi shermen depend on dur- lops] as divers,” she explained. show company in Ohio. “She wanted ing the winter months. Managed me to come to Ohio to work. She said by the state through recommen- Brawn admits that in the beginning if I worked for two years there she dations from the Scallop Advisory she didn’t really know what she was would move me to London!” Brawn doing. But she stuck at it, forging re- Committee, the fi shery had seen the For several years, Brawn has pro- lationships with scallop fi shermen explained. But after six months sell- typical boom and bust cycle over the vided fresh raw scallops at the Maine ing pharmaceutical and other types years. Brawn saw in her job the poten- and piecing together orders for an ex- Fishermen’s Forum reception. Mike of trade shows to prospective clients, tial to help make the scallop fi shery panding circle of customers. Brawn is Young photo. Brawn realized that she was miser- stronger and more profi table in the determined to get as many people as able. “My dad saved me,” she said. long term. “Scallops grow about 25 possible to know what a truly fresh, unsoaked scallop tastes like. So she Her father had invented a device percent each year. Th ey grow better travels to Brooklyn and Manhattan Maine Dayboat Scallops Inc. called the bait cup which controlled here than on Georges! I thought this during the winter to deliver those the amount of bait available to lob- was a fi shery we could turn around. 207-838-1490 scallops to people who have paid in sters and was easier to use than the It could be a multi-million dollar [email protected] advance for a certain amount, “sort traditional bait bag. Brawn signed fi shery for the state,” Brawn said. “It of like a CSF [community supported www.mainedayboatscallops.com on to be his salesperson. “I wait- wasn’t happening because they were ressed at J’s Oyster House because ill-managed.” Page 16 | LANDINGS | April 2014

NOAA BEGINS UPDATE OF TIDE DATA THIS SUMMER

by Melissa Waterman and recovery, a conductivity (salin- ity), temperature, and depth (CTD) Th e Center for Operational Oceano- cast will be made at each location. graphic Products and Services (CO- OPS), part of NOAA’s National Ocean Th e tidal current project will take Service, provides science and techni- place throughout the summer. cal expertise to monitor, assess, and Between May 7 and 16, CO-OPS will distribute tide, current, water level, deploy 13 stations, primarily around and other coastal oceanographic Portland and Casco Bay. In June, products. It collects tidal current in- a second round of stations will be formation to maintain and update deployed between June 14 and 27, the predictions in U.S. Tidal Current and the fi rst 12 stations recovered. Tables. Mariners rely on this infor- Between July 28 and August 12, CO- mation to plan for safe and effi cient OPS will recover the fi nal 13 stations, maritime transportation. Every year including the new reference station CO-OPS deploys dozens of current Accoustic Doppler current profi lers will be housed in these bottom mounts. Th e off Portland. Th e updated tidal data meters in multiple locations around equipment will record current data every six minutes. NOAA photo. will be available to the public begin- the country. CO-OPS intends to ning in 2015 at tidesandcurrents.gov. For additional information, contact conduct an oceanographic observa- feet long. It was weighted at one end Th e stations will remain there for at project leader Carl Kammerer, at tion project beginning in early May to fl oat upright with the top about least 35 days. A new tidal reference e-mail: [email protected], in Casco Bay, Portland harbor and one foot out of water. As the current station will be established at the en- offi ce: 603-862-3285, cell: 301-908- Kennebec River to update predic- carried it away, direction was noted trance to Portland; that station will 1545. tions found in NOAA’s Tidal Current from the ship’s compass and speed be deployed for at least 70 days. Tables. “Th e trick to collecting data was determined by the amount of Self-contained acoustic Doppler in Casco Bay is to avoid the lobster line passing from the vessel during a current profi lers (ADCP) will gather pots and lines yet position the sen- specifi c time interval. Th e Ticus cur- tidal data. Th ese profi lers are housed sors or platforms in areas to capture rent meter used a radio-telemetered in bottom mounts or submersible currents representative of the chan- buoy system to record current speed buoys that fl oat below the water sur- nels,” explained Karen Earwaker, CO- and direction. face. Bottom mounts stand less than OPS oceanographer. Th e tide charts for these areas in a meter high and will have no buoys In the old days before the advent of Maine are based on data gathered in at the surface marking their location. computers, tidal current data were 1942-43 and the 1970s. Th is year un- Data will be collected every six min- collected using either a current pole derwater stations will be established utes and will profi le all of the water or a Ticus current meter in Casco in an area from the southeastern in- column. In addition to currents, the Bay. Th e current pole used to deter- let at Saco River into Portland harbor, ADCP collects water temperature, Th e bottom mounts have a low profi le, mine the velocity of the current was around the islands in Casco Bay, and echo intensity (backscatter) and less than a meter high. NOAA photo. about three inches in diameter and 15 up the Kennebec River to Richmond. pressure readings. At deployment BAIT Why buy second hand? Buy Fresh! Buy Direct! Herringg • Redfish • Pogiesg

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BENTON CELEBRATES ANNUAL Burgess continued from page 4 ALEWIFE RUN stermen who formed the Dropping comes up in Augusta and it is bad for Springs Lobster Company in 2004 in lobstermen, the MLA is always there. by MLA staff order to sell their catch directly to Christ, Ed practically lived there. customers without any middlemen. David Cousens, too, he’s always there Th e alewives are coming! And the Th e company quickly went into the and when they see him, they know town of Benton, Maine, is getting bait business as well. Burgess still what he stands for.” Burgess thinks ready for them. serves on Dropping Spring’s board. that younger lobstermen should take part in the organization for their own Come spring the silvery fi sh make In 2009, the company decided to ex- their way from the Gulf of Maine pand its business further. It formed up the Kennebec River into the Calendar Islands Maine Lobster to “As I get older I Sebasticook River in Benton. But produce ready-to-eat lobster prod- realize that people for decades alewives couldn’t make ucts. “We would bring our lobster it that far due to the presence of straight from Dropping Springs and have so many diff erent dams. Once the Fort Halifax Dam in People watch alewives climb the fi sh add value to them [through process- attitudes toward how Winslow and the Edwards Dam in ladder as they migrate upstream. ing into Calendar Island products],” Augusta were torn down in the 2000’s, Photo courtesy Town of Benton. Burgess said. Th e company, which to accomplish things. I alewives quickly returned to the riv- also buys and sells whole lobsters think the MLA is doing ers, migrating as far north as Stetson and frozen tails, has expanded its of- “Th e focus on the Benton Alewife Pond near the town of Newport, more ferings consistently during the past a good job despite all Festival really is about the impor- than 70 miles from the coast. Th e ale- fi ve years. tance of alewives to the Maine eco- the diff erent opinions.” wives are helped over the still exist- system and the lobster industry,” said It’s all part of Burgess’ belief that ing dams in Vassalboro, Burnham, Pat Turlo, Benton town clerk and a lobstermen need to act together to benefi t. “[Th e MLA] is the most im- and Benton via the presence of fi sh festival organizer. People can observe ensure a good price for their lob- portant voice we have to protect the ladders. the alewives running up the fi sh lad- sters. “Lobstermen have been kicked resource, to keep draggers from land- Th e annual Benton Alewife Festival der, enjoy free smoked alewives, and around for so long. I don’t remember ing lobsters,” Burgess continued. “As on May 17 focuses on the spring ale- watch birds of prey demonstrations, anyone ever saying to me “what do I get older I realize that people have wife harvest and the successful re- among many other events. you have to get for your lobsters?” so many diff erent attitudes toward construction of the Benton dam fi sh Th ey always just tell you what the Th e Benton Alewife Festival takes how to accomplish things. I think the ladder. In 2013 observers counted price is,” he said. place at the Benton Family Fun Park MLA is doing a good job despite all nearly 2 million alewives traversing at 269 Neck Road in Benton and is Burgess remains an MLA member in the diff erent opinions,” Burgess said. the dam. Th is year the festival is as- free to the public. Shuttles will be part because of the people who direct sociated with World Fish Migration available to take people to the dam to the organization. “We’ve had great Day, an international day to create see the alewives. people running it. Ed Blackmore, awareness about the link between what a great guy,” Burgess said. “You fi sh and the free and open rivers they know, politically when something need for migration.

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:$17('4XDOLW\ZHOOPDLQWDLQHGÀVKLQJYHVVHOVWRVHOO .LWWHU\WR&DPGHQ Maine made a strong appearance at Seafood Expo North America in March. &RQWDFW'DYLGGLUHFWO\DWRUGDYLG#HWQLHUERDWVFRP Seventeen companies had booths at the show, which brings together companies and customers from around the world. Th e Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative 9LVLWXVDWZZZHWQLHUERDWVFRP hosted a lobster reception featuring Governor LePage one evening. MLMC photo. Page 18 | LANDINGS | April 2014

Predicting the future continued from page 1 by Wahle, Fogarty, and Mark Gibson stock model. Th e major sources of One intriguing aspect of the ASFMC’s tures have increased faster than 99.85 from the Rhode Island Department data used to predict abundance lobster stock model is the ability of percent of the global ocean. of Marine Fisheries accurately pro- come from landings records, port managers to alter it in response to Mills and her colleagues may have jected the number of lobsters about and sea sampling data, trawl surveys reality. “Th e assessment uses a pro- the means to forecast certain aspects to enter the fi shery on the basis of the and ventless trap surveys conducted cess called ‘statistical’ model fi tting,” of the lobster fi shery on a yearly ba- settlement index and an added vari- each year. Nesslage said. “Th is means we fi ne sis. Drawing on ocean temperature able, shell disease prevalence. “Shell “Th e model essentially looks at how tune our model estimates of impor- and landings data, they have devised disease strongly infl uences natural many lobsters were harvested, how tant things like abundance and fi sh- a prototype predictive model. “It’s a mortality rates of lobster in southern many likely died from natural causes ing mortality by comparing model simple relationship between sea sur- New England,” Wahle explained. and how many were caught in the outputs with real data to see how face temperature, temperature at 20 Th is was a big deal in the world of lob- good our model is at predicting what meters, and when the fi shery land- stering. No one had linked settlement But what happens if has been observed in real life.” ings start to ramp up each summer,” density to future abundance before. some of the assump- Th e model is constructed with a se- Mills explained. “Now we are pursu- “We may not have a crystal ball, but ries of assumptions built into it, ele- ing funding to develop a more rig- we’re encouraged by our success in tions built in to the ments such as the initial size of the orous model that is built on bottom southern New England, and are now lobster population or the ratio of temperatures and incorporates molt putting the predictive tool to the test model can no longer be males to females. Th en scientists timing.” in the Gulf of Maine,” Wahle said. taken as given? compare what the model predicts is Mills began looking at the link be- Th e Atlantic States Marine Fisheries out at sea with actual data provided tween sea temperature and lobster Commission (ASMFC) uses a com- surveys,” Nesslage explained. “Th en by state resource agencies and the landings after 2012. “It was an eye- plicated mathematical model to pro- it fi gures out how many lobsters lobster industry. “We repeat this pro- opening year,” she said. “We started vide a picture of the Gulf of Maine should have been in the population cedure numerous times until we have putting the environmental data to- lobster population. in order to have produced the catch a model that predicts as closely as gether with the biological data [on documented in the landings and the possible the observed landings and lobster]. Lobster molt phenology is “We use a length-based approach in- surveys.” Th e Commission’s model survey catch by length, sex, and sea- stead of the more common age-based so linked to temperature.” Lobsters is peer-reviewed by a panel of inde- son. If the model estimates look noth- begin to shed their old shells and approach because lobsters cannot be pendent experts before it is put into ing like the real data, we know our easily or cheaply aged at present,” form new ones in direct response to use. model is way off the mark,” Nesslage the temperature of the surrounding explained Genevieve Nesslage, sen- continued. If the model produces re- ior stock assessment scientist at the Th e model is both sex- and season- water. Warmer water leads to an ear- specifi c to account for the complexi- sults that compare to the actual data lier molt. ASMFC, in an email message. “We reasonably well, ASMFC can feel con- use what we know about lobster life ties of lobster biology and the sea- “So far we found that temperatures sonality of both lobster migration fi dent that its management decisions history along with data collected on can be based on the model. at the end of April and early May give their molting process to determine and the fi shery itself. Changes in us the ability to predict the start of how quickly we expect them to grow minimum and maximum size regula- But what happens if some of the as- the period of high fi shing, and we and reach both maturity and legal tions and the impact of conservation sumptions built in to the model can anticipate that we will have even size.” measures (such as V-notching egg- no longer be taken as given? How better forecasting skill if we incor- bearing females) are also accounted can such a model incorporate some porate molt timing into the model,” In addition to growth, ASFMC uses for in the model. of the worrying changes lobstermen other data to fl esh out its lobster Mills said. Typically the time of peak and others are seeing in the Gulf of landings in Maine is in August and Maine, such as consistently warmer September. In 2012, landings started temperatures at both the sea surface to increase sharply in June, peak- and at depth? “We are in the process ing in July. “Warming [in the Gulf of of incorporating climate change into Maine] began three weeks ahead of our upcoming assessment. Th e exact schedule. Landings shifted earlier on News & Comment for and by the Fishermen of Maine way we will do that in the model is a similar schedule,” Mill said. still undecided, so I can’t give you the details just yet,” Nesslage said. Th e shift in landings that year pro- NEW ENGLAND’S MOST duced an abundance of lobster at a Th e Gulf of Maine Research Institute time when both Canadian and U.S. READ COMMERCIAL (GMRI) in Portland is one institution seafood processors were unprepared. FISHING NEWSPAPER tackling the question of how climate Th e price plummeted on both sides change is aff ecting Gulf of Maine of the border, creating political and All along the Maine Coast, species, specifi cally lobster. Kathy economic turmoil. Mills acknowl- and in ports south to Cape Cod - Mills, an associate research scientist edged that her model only refl ects at GMRI, and Andy Pershing, GMRI links between temperature, lobster IT’S WHAT chief scientifi c offi cer, are linking phenology, and how landings re- FISHERMEN READ! ocean data from 2012 to lobster phe- spond to the spring molt. “Th e so- nology (the timing of life events in cial and economic side plays out less plants or animals). $ predictably but the ability to adapt is Subscribe Today! Send check or money order for 18.* along with the information below to: Fishermen’s Voice By anyone’s estimate, 2012 was a hot greater. [Businesses] can learn and P.O. Box 253 , Gouldsboro, ME 04607 year in the Gulf of Maine. Air tem- adapt for next year. So the informa- *Canadian subscriptions are $23 U.S. dollars peratures in Maine hit 80 degrees in tion we think we can provide through Name ______March. Th e sea surface for the entire a forecast like this should provide Address______East Coast, from Hatteras to Nova them with advance planning capac- Scotia, was the warmest it had been ity,” she said. City ______in one hundred years. Th at warmth Th ere are many more things that can State, Zip______led to an unprecedented early molt MLA 10/12 be forecast, Mills continued, once the for Maine’s lobster, a shift in the peak model can draw upon spatial vari- Join us in Supporting the Tradition of Making One’s Living of the harvest, and general tumult in from the Sea by Advertising in the Fishermen’s Voice. ability, bottom temperatures, and both prices and the marketplace. molting patterns. “Getting all the The leader with 8,000 copies monthly But a less-obvious warming had be- parts linked to one another at ap- from Eastport to Kittery and on to Cape Cod. gun long before. Th e Gulf of Maine propriate scales gives a greater pre- has warmed about 1o C. (1.8o F.) over dictive capacity,” she said. “Providing 207-963-7195 a period of 40 years prior to 2004. this information in a form that in- Warming accelerated drastically af- dustry can use is very important, as Send letters, news, stories to: ter 2004, according to research con- is getting observations from the fi eld. P.O. Box 253 Gouldsboro, ME 04607 ducted by Pershing; there has been We want to have a conversation with Email: [email protected] about a 1o C. increase every four years industry about how this forecast can since then. In fact, Pershing notes, best refl ect their experience and how www.fishermensvoice.com Gulf of Maine sea surface tempera- we can best deliver information that they need and can use.” April 2014 | LANDINGS | Page 19

THE HEALTH OF LOBSTERMEN: Forum health screenings provide knowledge

By Wanda Curtis the Knox County Clinic in Rockland or India St. Clinic in Portland. A group of 20 students from University of Southern Maine’s undergraduate “If it’s someone with dangerously nursing program provided free blood high blood pressure, we try to get pressure, glucose, and cholesterol them to contact their primary care screenings for 138 fi shermen at the provider at that moment or go to 2014 Maine Fisherman’s Forum. the Pen Bay Medical Center emer- gency department,” Burson said. “Of “Th e students work in partnership course, we also do signifi cant teach- with a specifi c community, in our ing about blood pressure manage- case, the Casco Bay Fishing and ment. Th e students really get into Island Community Partnership,” it.” Many of the people who came to said associate professor emeritus the Fishermen’s Forum clinic did not Jan Burson, who co-organized the know that they had high blood pres- university’s community health pro- sure. “Of the 59 with elevated blood gram (featured in the February 2014 pressure, 39 (66%) came into the Landings). “Th e issues of diffi cult ac- clinic saying that they did not have cess to health care, high-risk occupa- high blood pressure or did not know University of Southern Maine student nurses screened 138 fi shermen and family tions, and lack of health insurance are if they had blood pressure issues. All members during the three-day Fishermen’s Forum. Photo by Mike Young. common in our community and are of those people now know something what drew us to work with this popu- important about their health that Partnership Support Services (pro- low-up appointment. A few people lation to start. We teach the student they did not know before coming in,” fi led in the January 2014 Landings), wondered about a condition called nurses that the key to public health Burson said. 90 individuals were screened for tinnitus [a persistent ringing or buzz- nursing is to respond to the needs of hearing loss. Diane Tingas, a Maine ing sound in the ears]. Th ose in which the community, as expressed by the Th e same story played out in the cho- lesterol screenings, she continued. hearing instrument specialist affi li- tinnitus was confi rmed also were re- community. Th at is what led us to the ated with Massachusetts Audiology, ferred to a specialist for follow-up. Fishermen’s Forum.” “Of the 64 people in total with an ab- normal cholesterol fi nding, 37 (58%) conducted the screenings. “Diane “And, best of all,” Athos continued, Th is year the students saw the larg- came into the clinic saying they did found an array of results,” Athos said. “some people emerged from the est number of fi shermen to date. A not have a cholesterol problem or “Some people who thought they had screening with feedback that their total of 138 individuals had blood they did not know if they had cho- a hearing problem did not but found hearing was just great! Either way, pressure, glucose, and cholesterol lesterol issues,” said Burson. “Forty- they had problems hearing high or they now had information that they screenings. Of those screened, 59 in- two people (36%) had elevated total low tones.” did not have before. It was conveni- dividuals (43%) had elevated blood cholesterol and 22 (19%) had signifi - Some people who took advantage of ent, it was important and it was free!” pressure. cantly low HDLs [the so-called good the hearing tests found that they did Athos added that she was glad her According to the American Heart cholesterol]. We counseled them indeed need to see a specialist and organization had the opportunity Association, one in three Americans regarding dietary intake, exercise, were referred to someone for a fol- to provide these screenings at the suff ers from high blood pressure. smoking, whatever pertained. For Continued on page 21 Of those, slightly more than 47% do those with really high total choles- not have it controlled. Normal blood terol or the lowest of HDL readings, pressure is less than 120/80, ac- about fi ve people each, we advocated cording to the National Institutes of contacting and seeing their primary Health. Th is means that the force of care provider soon or, as with high blood when your heart beats is 120, blood pressure, tried to fi nd them an FOR SALE and the force is 80 when your heart alternate source of follow-up when relaxes between beats. High blood there was no primary care provider,” pressure, also called hypertension, she explained. refers to blood pressure that is 140/90 Very few of those screened at the or higher. High blood pressure is one Forum had elevated glucose levels, of the leading causes of strokes and a symptom of pre-diabetes. Just 13 heart attacks. people of the total 138 had high glu- “Most were mild to moderate eleva- cose. “None were alarmingly high,” tions, but one was dangerously high,” Burson said. Conversely, all of those explained Burson. “Of the 59 with who identifi ed themselves as diabetic elevated blood pressure, 16 (18% of were managing within normal blood glucose limits. It is nice to be able to confi rm success. Some folks come back each year just to show us how well they are doing. Th e students re- ally enjoy seeing the success stories. Th ey also enjoy fi nding themselves in such a warm and welcoming com- munity.” Th is year three dermatologists, Kenneth Galeckas, Mark Jensen, 30-foot 1989 MDI Lobster/Tuna, powered with John Deere 225, For the fi rst time, fi shermen were also and Charmaine Jensen, performed 414cu, 6.8L, 3.2” draught, 1.5” washdown, 100 gal fuel tank, 11’ able to get their hearing tested at the skin cancer screenings as part of Forum. Mike Young photo. EHDP ¿EHUJODVV 66 K\GURVODYH KDXOHUNHHO FRROHG  OHIW the health clinic. Chilloa Young, co- EODGHPRUVHFRQWUROVUDFRU¿OWHU'HHUHZDWHUVHSDUDWRU5D\- ordinator of the Maine Fishermen’s theon radar, sitex sounder, 2 VHF’s, Danforth anchor with chain total) were on blood pressure medi- Forum, said that as a result of the and line, 2 bilges, spotlight, stereo, electric oil change. New deck cations, but their blood pressure was screenings, 14 people were referred - still elevated outside normal limits. KXOOUH¿QLVKHG¶DOXPFURZ¶VQHVWZLWKIXOOHOHFWURQ for potentially precancerous lesions; LFVDQGVWHHULQJEHQFKVHDW%RDWZDVVXUYH\HG1RY For those folks and those with mild or one was referred with a potential )RXUURGKROGHUVGLYHSODWIRUP´VKDIWZD\SRZHUVZLWFK moderate elevations, we advocated melanoma. KDWFKLQFDELQURRIRSHQLQJSRUWVVWDWLRQDU\SRUWVOLYHZHOO sharing these fi ndings with their pri- YHU\ZHOOPDLQWDLQHG mary care provider, if there was one, In addition, this year fi shermen and their families were able for the fi rst at their next visit. If the person had Call Ron Dennis at 207-356-2673. no primary care provider, the student time to have hearing tests done nurses informed them about clinics at the Forum. According to Andra off ering low-cost or free care such as Athos of the Massachusetts Fishing Page 20 | LANDINGS | April 2014

Forum continued from page 1 Th e MLMC came into existence last the shift in lobster abundance from October, when it superseded the old western to eastern Maine waters that Maine Lobster Promotion Council. began over a decade ago shows no Marianne Lacroix, interim direc- signs of stopping. For example, Zone tor of the Collaborative, gave a brief A (from the Canadian boundary to report on its activities thus far. Th e Schoodic peninsula) landed 28 mil- MLMC has defi ned eight elements lion pounds of lobster last year; Zone that are the hallmarks of the Maine E (from Pemaquid Point to Small lobster brand, qualities such as fl a- Point) landed just 6 million. As Arnie vor, the community nature of the Gamage, a Zone E lobsterman, com- fi shery, and the sustainability of the mented about his area, “We are in the stock. Th e goal of its marketing plan empty zone.” is straightforward: to get more peo- Wilson noted that surface water tem- ple to eat more lobster more often. peratures in the region were lower in Th e MLMC’s budget in this fi rst year 2013 and thus far in 2014 than in 2012 is $750,000. Th at fi gure increases to when the entire western Atlantic $1.5 million in 2015 and caps at $2.25 Ocean experienced record-breaking million in 2016. highs. So he expects a normal lobster season this year, unless the spring water temperatures become unu- sual. Lobster shell disease, however, remains on the upsurge. Th e disease, which erodes a lobster’s shell into ugly holes and patches, is thought to be due to common bacteria found in the ocean that combine to attack the animal’s carapace. Lobster shell Marine Patrol Offi cer Rustin Ames was named Offi cer of the Year by the Maine disease has run rampant through Lobstermen’s Association at the Forum’s Saturday night banquet. Offi cer Ames southern New England lobster stocks is currently assigned to DMR’s Castine/Stockton Springs Patrol which covers the where now approximately 30% of all Penobscot River region. Photo by Mike Young. landed lobsters have the disease, ac- cording to Wilson. In 2013 the num- ASFMC comes in,” Keliher said. “We prevent losses. “Hatcheries are a use- Governor Paul LePage addressed the ber of diseased lobsters in Zone G need to be prepared. We want to pre- ful tool. You can control the depth of Forum at the start of a discussion jumped to 4% of all lobsters sampled serve the diversity of the fl eet.” water brought into the hatchery and about marketing Maine lobster. Mike by DMR; in Zone F that number rose the timing. In addition, we can selec- Young photo. to 3%. “In 2012 we saw a big bump Coping with a changing ocean was the focus at a Saturday seminar tively breed for acid-tolerant strains,” [in percentages]” Wilson said. “We Mook explained. are starting to get into exponential on ocean acidifi cation. Bill Mook, Th e MLMC will start out by promot- growth.” founder and president of Mook Sea Jonathan Labaree of the Gulf of ing Maine lobster’s sweet fl avor to Farm in Walpole, spoke of the eff ect Maine Institute in Portland spoke In addition, the number of juvenile an increasingly acid ocean is having about the changes that are happen- chefs, upscale hotel and restaurant lobsters on the bottom has dropped chains, seafood buyers and journal- on the oysters and other shellfi sh ing in the Gulf of Maine due to in- in most zones. DMR staff sample ju- he raises on the Damariscotta River. creased water temperature. During ists. It has established a partnership venile settlement at 50 sites along with the Culinary Institute of America More carbon dioxide in the atmos- the past nine years the average rise in the coast in October and November phere translates into more carbon sea surface temperature in the Gulf and will take part in the Institute’s every year. Th is provides data on the Food Arts Greystone Flavor Summit dioxide in the ocean where, through of Maine has taken a sharp turn up- individual year class, i.e., how many a chemical reaction, it becomes ward, increasing by 0.23o C. per year in April. Th e event, held in California, larvae managed to grow enough to brings a select group of food and bev- carbonic acid. Th at in turn makes rather than the previous average of settle on the sea fl oor that year. o erage executives and high-level chefs it more diffi cult for calcium-based 0.03 C. “Mid-Atlantic marine spe- together to explore food trends. “Generally speaking, most zones are creatures, such as shellfi sh, to build cies are moving in, things like black seeing a three-year decline,” Wilson or maintain their shells. On the West sea bass, sea horses and long-fi n Lacroix emphasized that increasing said. Th at could translate into a de- Coast, shellfi sh aquaculturists have squid,” he said. In addition, certain demand for Maine lobster will be a cline in landings in the future. On the seen millions of larval shellfi sh die annual activities, such as the lobster task shared by the Collaborative and other hand, the trawl surveys con- in hatcheries during the past decade molt, are occurring at diff erent times. lobstermen themselves. “Th is mar- ducted by DMR in the spring and fall due to acidic ocean water. Since then “Management can’t rely on history keting eff ort depends on industry. We months indicate that there has not the growers have learned to tune for managing [fi sh species],” Labaree can’t do it alone,” she said. been much of an increase or decrease their facilities to the varying degrees argued. “Looking back won’t inform Department of Marine Resources in lobster abundance along the coast of acidity in the ocean in order to how we look forward.” Commissioner Patrick Keliher kicked west of Port Clyde. “Above Port Clyde Continued on page 21 off the fi rst of ten meetings with the to Schoodic the numbers went way state’s lobstermen on Saturday morn- up. From Schoodic to Lubec it was ing. In January, 2013, Keliher held 16 fl at,” Wilson said. meetings along the coast to discuss Th e question facing the state, said with lobstermen issues such as long Keliher, is how to be prepared for waiting lists for lobster licenses and change. Maine’s lobster fi shery takes low prices. Th is year the focus was place within the context of a larger on the future: what will happen if lobster management plan devel- the lobster stock drops? If more lob- oped and enforced by the Atlantic stermen fi sh harder? If lobster shell States Marine Fisheries Commission disease becomes more prevalent? (ASFMC). Th e ASFMC lobster man- “Don’t think that I’m saying that agement plan has set a threshold for the sky is falling and we’ve got to do Maine: if lobster landings hit that something right now,” Keliher said to threshold, then ASMFC will step in. polite laughter. “We just need to talk “Th e ASFMC trigger for closure is about how to be better prepared for a 35 million pounds. Do you want to future downturn.” wait until landings are at 35 million DMR lobster biologist Carl Wilson pounds to do something?” Keliher presented an overview of the agen- queried. Th us DMR is developing cy’s diff erent monitoring programs its own fi sheries management plan for lobster. Th e information gained for lobster this year. “We can set our Th e Fishermen’s Forum off ered something for everyone. Th e Maine State Aquarium from these programs shows that own triggers for action long before touch tank was a particularly popular exhibit. Mike Young photo. April 2014 | LANDINGS | Page 21

Forum continued from page 20 Starting in 2002, Steve Train of Long in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and summer to gather comments. Th e Island and other Casco Bay lobster- John Bullard, Northeast regional ad- Council will likely vote on this at its men started to notice changes in ministrator of NOAA Fisheries, an- November meeting.” their area. “We could fi sh later in swered a variety of questions related In response to a question about who the season and farther off shore. We to the intricate bureaucratic dance should pay for the cost of at-sea fi sh- started seeing lots of crickets [ju- that controls fi shermen. One ques- ery observers on groundfi shing ves- venile lobsters less than 2 inches in tion on the minds of many ground- sels when that fi shing sector is con- length] off shore. Th e green crabs just fi shermen was how the $33 million tracting rapidly, Karp spoke at length exploded because there were no ice would be distributed and when. “We about funding issues facing his cent- cakes scouring the shore in the win- will make intelligent decisions to get er. “Management is based on stock ter,” Train said. Casco Bay lobsters it to where it does the most good. We assessments,” he said. “Th ere’s a call are moving eastward and Train wor- want to make sure that these dollars for more and more frequent stock ries what that will mean in the future. are stretched,” responded Bullard. assessments on which to base man- “Landings are continually increasing He explained that NMFS would work agement plans. Th ere are more and in Zone A, to the eastward. If this with the governors’ offi ces in the af- more questions to answer and more continues, we are going to run out. fected states to create a consensual and more demands. But there are no Th e lobsters will be in Canada,” he plan on how the money would be re- additional resources.” Currently, the said. leased. He gave no schedule for that federal government pays for at-sea In Casco Bay, lobstermen are now process. observers who gather data on New fi nding red hake, turbot, even Another member of the audience England species landed on a given Chesapeake Bay blue crabs in their asked about the eff ects of establish- vessel. “Even if eventually the indus- Senator Susan Collins attended the traps. Train wondered what will hap- ing a Habitat Area of Concern in the try covers part of that cost,” Karp Friday night fi sh dinner during the pen as species for which there is a near shore Gulf of Maine. Habitat continued, “the Science Center has Fishermen’s Forum. Mike Young quota south of Maine move north and Areas of Concern are called for by to pay to process the data.” photo. east into waters for which no quota the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Th e cost of management was not on exists. Dewey Hemilright, a fi sher- Conservation and Management Act the mind of the audience attending of fi shing.” Mirman, a member of the man from Wanchese, North Carolina, and, in New England, could include a seminar on how to survive in the National Water Safety Congress and said that the same shift was occur- areas in which juvenile cod aggre- Atlantic Ocean late Saturday after- the National Center for Cold Water ring in his region, as southern spe- noon. Fishing was the second-most Safety, talked about the physiology of cies, including the invasive lionfi sh, dangerous occupation in the United the human body and straightforward move northward. Hemilright, who States in 2012, behind logging. Each methods, such as wearing a modern sits on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries year several fi shermen lose their lives personal fl otation device (PFD), that Management Council, noted drily at sea, either from injury or from fall- fi shermen can take to ensure that that making management changes ing overboard. Many just take the falling into the Gulf of Maine does for any fi shery is not something that possibility of dying as an accepted not mean death. “You have to change occurs quickly. Fishermen also don’t part of their work. But as Dr. Ken your thinking,” he said. Th at injunc- change their fi shing patterns eas- Mirman of Machiasport pointed out, tion, at all levels, was at the heart of ily. “We can’t adapt that quickly to “Death at sea is not the inevitable fate match the migratory patterns of the the 39th Maine Fishermen’s Forum. fi sh,” Hemilright said. “Still, everyone says they will adapt so they can still make a living on the water.” On Friday afternoon, a panel of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Criehaven lobsterman Jay Smith Administration (NOAA) offi cials received the MLA’s Golden V-Notch faced a packed room for an informal Award. Smith is a long-standing member of the MLA board. Photo by question and answer session. In late Mike Young. February, NOAA announced that $75 million in relief funds would be given to six areas of the country that suf- fered “fi sheries disasters” in 2013. grate and adult groundfi sh spawn- Th e New England states will receive ing grounds. A series of rolling clo- $32,847,000 to off set the sharply re- sures have been proposed by the duced total allowable catch for key New England Fisheries Management groundfi sh species during that fi sh- Council (NEFMC) as one of several ing year. alternatives to protect these areas. “Th e Council will review these alter- Eileen Sobeck, newly appointed as- natives,” Rausch explained, referenc- sistant administrator for the National ing the “Draft Omnibus Essential Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Fish Habitat Amendment” document Samuel Rausch, deputy assistant released last year. “Th en there will administrator, Bill Karp, head of the be a series of public meetings this Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Health continued from page 19 Fishermen’s Forum. “We bring health clinic has received from the Maine Garbo depends on the hard work and screenings to the fi shermen because Lobsterman›s Association has made it is often diffi cult for the fi shermen continued participation by the stewardship of Maine lobstermen. to get to the doctor given their busy, school’s community health program non-business-hours schedule. We possible.»Th e support that we have identify screenings that are particu- received through those years from larly important to them, like hear- the MLA has been wonderful and ap- ing, and bring it to them at the port, preciated more than is probably real- Thank you ! docks, trade shows or, in this case, ized,» said Burson. «Each year we see the Maine Fishermen’s Forum.» more people, which means more sup- plies, which means higher costs, and Th e University of Southern Maine’s 3RXQG5G‡32%R[‡+DQFRFN0DLQH so it goes. I just don›t want to miss School of Nursing has conducted ‡SHWHG#JDUEROREVWHUFRP its health clinic for fi shermen at an opportunity to acknowledge how the Forum for nearly twelve years. helpful MLA support is in keeping us Burson said that the support the going.” Page 22 | LANDINGS | April 2014

In the NEWS

put in force. Lobster is Canada’s top CANADIAN LOBSTERMEN MAINE ELVER SEASON Of the 11,749 lbs, DMR Commissioner seafood export to South Korea, repre- PURSUE MSC CERTIFICATION DELAYED UNTIL APRIL Patrick Keliher is authorized to with- senting nearly half of the $50 million hold up to 10% to provide a buff er worth of products sold in the country Th e Bay of Fundy, Scotian Shelf and Originally scheduled to begin on that helps prevent the state from annually. “In the long run, it should exceeding the overall quota. Th e Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence lob- March 22, the 2014 elver fi shing sea- mean better prices for the fi shermen ster trap fi shery has entered into in- son begins Sunday, April 6, at noon. Commissioner will withhold 5% from and better margins for the shippers,” both non-tribal and tribal alloca- dependent, third-party assessment Th e opening was delayed due to de- said Geoff Irvine, executive director for Marine Stewardship Council liberations over two bills aff ecting tions, which leaves a total quota for of the Lobster Council of Canada. the state of 11,161 pounds. Th e sea- (MSC) certifi cation. Th e client for the fi shery, both signed into law in the assessment, the Nova Scotia-New mid-March. son will end May 31, 2014 or prior to that date if the state’s overall quota is NOVA SCOTIA ALLOWS Brunswick Lobster Eco-Certifi cation Th e Department of Marine Resources reached. OFFSHORE OIL Society, is a newly formed group of (DMR) needed additional time to EXPLORATION stakeholders representing lobster enact the rules that will allocate in- harvesting, shipping, processing and CANADA-SOUTH KOREA dividual fi shing quotas to elver har- Nova Scotia has granted Canadian buying interests in the Southern Gulf vesters, to obtain information from FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IN of St. Lawrence, Scotian Shelf and Bay THE WORKS subsidiaries of Shell Oil Co. and BP Maine’s Indian tribes necessary for Plc. rights to explore thousands of of Fundy regions. Th e assessment is allocation of individual fi shing quo- square miles of ocean fl oor in search being funded with support from soci- tas to licensed tribal members, and Canadian fi shermen and farmers of commercially viable oil deposits. ety members and the New Brunswick to distribute new elver transaction say they’re thrilled that more of their Each company has committed to and Nova Scotian governments. Canadian lobster, pork and pota- cards. about $1 billion Canadian in survey- “Th e Canadian lobster fi shery is al- toes will be available to consumers One bill passed in March created ing costs over the next several years. ready a wonderful example of re- in South Korea after years of being the elver transaction “swipe” card source sustainability,” said Eugene at a competitive pricing disadvan- Th e exploration zone extends east system, used for the fi rst time this O’Leary, president of the Nova tage. Th e proposed Canada-Korea from an area about 100 miles south- season. Similar to a credit card, it Scotia-New Brunswick Lobster Eco- free trade pact announced in March east of Nova Scotia. Drilling ulti- has a magnetic stripe on the back Certifi cation Society and president would result in signifi cant benefi ts to mately could occur within 50 miles that is encoded by DMR staff with of the Guysborough County Inshore Canadian exporters through elimina- of Georges Bank, a productive fi shing identifying information for each Fishermen’s Association. “Working tion of South Korean tariff s on a wide ground that’s shared by fi shermen harvester which, with information to attain MSC certifi cation will help range of agricultural products. from Nova Scotia and New England. about the weight of elvers harvested Shell has completed a seismic study secure the long-term success and and price paid, will be uploaded to Nearly 87 percent of agricultural tar- and plans to begin drilling as many stability of the Canadian lobster in- a secure database and monitored by iff s will be lifted on items such as as seven exploratory wells next year. dustry in a competitive global mar- the Department to ensure the state maple syrup, canola oil and lobster, Th is spring, BP will begin a two-year ketplace.” does not exceed its quota of 11,749 either immediately or over a span of seismic survey of a 5,000-square-mile pounds. up to 15 years once the agreement is area off the coast of Nova Scotia.

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April 1 Searsport Dredge meeting, 12 p.m., April 18 May 7 Maine Water and Sustainability Hutchinson Center, Belfast. Environmental Risk Advisory MLA Directors’ meeting, 5 p.m., Conference, Augusta Civic Center. Committee meeting, 1-4 p.m., room Darby’s restaurant, Belfast. FMI: 967- April 9 319 Deering, Augusta. 4555. DMR Lobster community meeting, MLCA Directors meeting, 11 a.m., 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Th e Neighborhood Darby’s restaurant, Belfast. FMI: 967- April 22-24 May 8 House, Northeast Harbor. 6221. New England Fisheries Management Boatbuilders of Mount Desert Island, Council meeting, Mystic, CT. 7 p.m., Penobscot Marine Museum, April 3 MLA Directors meeting, noon, Searsport. FMI: 548-2529. Maine Sea Grant Annual Research Darby’s restaurant, Belfast. FMI: 967- April 25-27 Symposium, 1-5 p.m., University of 4555. Boothbay Fishermen’s Festival May 13 Maine. FMI: 581-1435. MLMC Board meeting, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., April 10 Upcoming Rockland Ferry Terminal, Rockland. April 7 A History of Trade in an Ever- FMI: 541-9310. DMR Lobster community meeting, Changing Port, 7-8 p.m., Gulf of May 3 10 a.m.-noon, York Village Fire Maine Research Institute, Portland. 42nd Annual Maritime History May 17 Department, York. FMI: 228-1622. Symposium, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Maine Benton Alewife Festival, all day. FMI: Maritime Museum, Bath. FMI: 443- 453-7191. DMR Lobster community Meeting Small Wooden Boats, talk by lo- cal boat builders, 7 p.m., Penobscot 1316. 3-5 p.m., Scarborough High School May 24-26 Cafeteria. Marine Museum, Searsport. FMI: 548-2529. May 6-8 Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Seafood Expo Global, Brussels, Restoration Festival, throughout April 8 April 15 Belgium. each day. FMI: deb.wilson@roadrun- MLMC Board meeting, 1-4 p.m., ner.com. Rockland Ferry Terminal, Rockland. ASMFC Herring Days Out Meeting FMI: 541-9310. 1-5 p.m., Rye, NH.

NOAA TWIN HULL SHIP TO UPDATE COASTAL CHARTS THIS SUMMER by Sarah Paquette the equipment aboard the Hassler, including high-resolution multibeam and sidescan sonar Th e Commanding Offi cer of the NOAA Ship systems which generate three-dimensional ba- Ferdinand R. Hassler, LCDR Marc S. Mosier, thymetric models and images of the sea fl oor. invited members of the Maine Lobstermen’s He explained the process the Hassler’s crew uses Association (MLA) to tour the vessel to provide during surveys. LCDR Mosier also showed his lobstermen with an understanding of the work guests charts of coastal areas in New Hampshire that the Hassler does. LCDR Mosier discussed the and southern Maine marked for survey in July ship’s planned operations for the upcoming year and August and asked for input on how best to and asked for feedback and strategies to deal with communicate the ship’s planned activities to area fi shing gear interactions and improving commu- lobstermen. Th e 124-foot vessel plans to map the nications with the lobster industry. He hopes to ocean fl oor along the coast from York into Wells keep the lobster industry informed of its opera- this summer, but the Commanding Offi cer knows tions and minimize the type of confl icts which there may be some restrictions due to dense lob- have happened in previous years. ster gear. According to NOAA’s Web site, the Ferdinand “If we know we won’t be able to get the ship R. Hassler is a coastal mapping vessel utilizing through gear without catching it, we won’t even theSmall Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) try,” LCDR Mosier said. “We want lobstermen to design for improved stability and seakeeping. know when we will be in the area so we can try Th is vessel is the newest addition to NOAA’s hy- to reduce gear confl ict.” MLA executive director drographic charting fl eet and is home ported in Patrice McCarron said the MLA would be happy New Castle, New Hampshire. Th e ship’s primary to work with the Ferdinand R. Hassler crew to get mission is conducting hydrographic surveys in word out to lobstermen about the vessel’s where- support of NOAA’s nautical charting mission. Th e abouts to minimize gear confl ict and reduce the Hassler will be surveying southern Maine this chances of lost and damaged gear. summer. For more information visit www.moc.noaa.gov/ On a windy day in mid-March, LCDR Mosier fh/; ship’s email: Noaa.Ship.Ferdinand.Hassler@ showed lobstermen from York and MLA staff noaa.gov; ship’s phone: 603-431-4500.

MLA staff and York County lobstermen confer over charts with NOAA personnel. Photo by Patrice McCarron. Page 24 | LANDINGS | April 2014

VOICES: TALES OF THE PAST FROM BLUE HILL BAY

Jeff Todd Titon, now a professor of ethnomusicology at Brown University, recorded a story told by Albert “Hap” Collins of Blue Hill for the Maine Albert Collins in his lobster boat, early Folklife Center at the University of Maine in Orono in 1988. Collins worked spring, 1961. Collins wrote a poem about selling the boat titled “Sold Out.” most of his adult life lobstering. He operated a sawmill in the summer and supplemented his income with masonry, blacksmithing, scalloping, logging, It seems but yesterday we met to start in life’s long day. or a variety of other jobs in the winter. He was also a renowned fi ddler and I was one and twenty; o, what time has a poet. He built skiff s for neighbors and tourists, and near the end of his life stole away. he created small boats modeled after various sea craft on which he had Years that we have been together weave worked. Th is story is about his grandfather, who worked as a mail carrier, around this parting scene, delivering mail from the mainland to Long Island in Blue Hill Bay during And I feel like one at midnight, ever walk- ing in a dream. the late 1800s. In the early 20th century, the entire population of Long Island Oh, tomorrow you will leave me, out across moved to the mainland. the harbor bar, Younger hands will set your tiller, other Collins: hearts will fi nd your star. In my mind I’ll keep a picture that will never fade away: Well, my father, he come from Long Island and they had a thousand sheep, he May luck be with you, boat of mine; I’ll remember this to day.’’ and the old man together over there. Th ey were Scots, they come from Scotland Penobscot Bay Press photo. anyway, from sheep country. My grandfather was a Scotchman. And he had come from Scotland to Digby, Nova Scotia. And then he come from Digby, Nova Scotia down here, and he settled on Long Island. He died in 1926, I think, or something like that. But when he lived on the island know, it’s going to blow nor’west this afternoon a good breeze. And I’m going to he farmed and he fi shed, and he carried the mail for about thirty years, back to wait until it gets a damn good breeze and I’m going to take him across with me.” the mainland. Well, he got a dollar a day. You think of it. So he did. It got blowing. Grandfather only had a twelve-foot skiff with a sail on One of the postal inspectors was down here [in Blue Hill] one time, ’twas late her. He got the old postal inspector in the bottom of the skiff , told him to set in the fall. [He came to visit] the postmaster down here, that was Ben Sylvester. still and not move. And of course Grandfather started out and he had that skiff He had the store, and he had the post offi ce, too. so the water was right on the rail, you know, and the fellow was scared. He said, “Mr. Henderson [Collins’ grandfather] gets too much money.” He says, “Oh,” he said, “Mr. Henderson,” he said, “let’s go back.” Grandfather says, “I’m “Th at’s the island right over there. All he’s got to do is carry the mail across carrying the United States mail. It has to be delivered. I can’t go back.” there.” “Well,” the postal inspector said, “I’ll make an exception. I’m the postal inspec- Well, anyway, Ben Sylvester said, “Well, now, he’ll be coming off with the mail tor!” pretty soon. You’ll get a chance to talk with him.” “Oh,” Grandfather said, “Nothing to it. I do this all the time,” he said, “Th is is a So Grandfather come off with the mail and it was late in the Fall. So Sylvester nice day!” So fi nally he got him over there [to Long Island]. When he got him told Grandfather what was up. Grandfather said, “Well, now,” he said. “You on the island shore, the old fellow was so scared he couldn’t get out of the skiff . Grandfather had to wait. Th en he got out of the skiff and he couldn’t walk! MAINE Lobstermen’s Association

Independent & Involved since 1954

The MLA advocates for a sustainable lobster resource ƒ†–Š‡ϐ‹•Š‡”‡ƒ† ‘—‹–‹‡•–Šƒ–†‡’‡†‘‹–Ǥ

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