1 MASSACHUSETTS LOBSTERMEN’S

ASSOCIATION JOIN TODAY and A LEADING Commercial Fishing Industry Association in New England show your support

MARCH 2018 NEWSPAPER • WWW.LOBSTERMEN.COM

MASSACHUSETTS WHAT’S CAUSING RW Decline PG 12 LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION The LEADING Commercial Fishing Industry Association in New England

SPRING TRAWL Survey PG 18

   or interactions with the North At- Lawsuits, Buoyless Fishing, Pop Up-buoys lantic right whale. The surge in  and the Right Whale urgency and attention is due to the Unusual Mortality Events of  The 2018 docket of meetings for the commercial lobster in- 2017 which gravely impacted the North Atlantic right whale.  dustry is being dominated so far this year with all things whale Now researchers are looking for ways to mitigate any further SAFETY related. Currently, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, the events from occurring while maintaining current fishing levels TRAINING Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team and several other for the lobster industry. PG 25 & 42  groups are looking for ways to mitigate any further by-catch     YOU CAN NOW FOLLOW THE MLA ON THE FOLLOWING SOCIAL MEDIAS           

         

         

    

     

    

 2 • M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

COVER STORY export or exempt fishery having or likely to have an immediate and significant adverse impact 2 0 1 8 In a recent message from Michael Pentony, on a marine mammal stock. Under this rule, the new Regional Administrator at the Greater “U.S. regulatory program” is defined as the Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) who regulatory program governing the incidental a r c h Published by the Mass. Lobstermen’s Assoc., Inc. stated that “Since April 2017, 17 North Atlantic mortality and serious injury of marine mammals

M 8 Otis Place right whales have been observed dead in both in the course of commercial fishing operations Scituate, MA 02066 U.S and Canadian waters, a nearly 4 percent as specified in the MMPA and its implementing loss of the population.” These deaths have fueled regulations.] https://www.federalregister.gov/ Published monthly the fire and several lawsuits that have been filed documents/2016/08/15/2016-19158/fish-and- Mailed to all paid members of the by the Humane Society and Conservation Law fish-product-import-provisions-of-the-marine- Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association Foundation against GARFO demanding they do mammal-protection-act This is a no brainer when Newsletter Departments more to protect these whales. Unfortunately, any both sides of the isle agree and want to see this law Editor, Industry News, Notice Section, Editorial, outcome of these law suits will have no impact on expedited today. Blog, Industry News, Promotions, Layout, the Canadian fisheries of which were the primary Advertising: Beth Casoni — Executive Director causes of last years Unusual Mortality Events on Furthermore, on February 1st MLA Vice the North Atlantic right whale. President Bill Lister, Vice President Jarrett Drake, Billing: Elaine Kracov Secretary/Treasurer Dave Casoni and Executive Buy Sell Swap: Tracey Abboud Currently, the federal government has a Director Beth Casoni attended the day long mechanism to mitigate the foreign fisheries workshop hosted by Woods Hole Oceanographic Newsletter Advertising Rates impact on these animals right now! What is Institute; Overcoming Development, Regulatory The MLA Newsletter is published monthly the government waiting for when they can per and Funding Challenges for Rope-less Fishing in the (Please note that all pre-paid ads for last year the Emergency Rulemaking provision under the U.S. and Canada. There were also representatives will be honored) Fish and Fish Product Import Provisions of the from the Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen’s Assoc., $35 ­— ¼ Page Ad Marine Mammal Protection Act which was signed South Shore Lobster Fishermen’s Assoc. and the $65 — ½ Page Ad into law on August 15, 2016, expedite the 5 year Maine Lobstermen’s Association as well as many implementation period. more environmental organization representatives $95 — Full Page Ad [During the five-year interim exemption, who out numbered the fishing industry 10 to 1. Color Ads — + $25 per ad NMFS may consider emergency rulemaking to Continued on page 33 ban imports of fish and fish products from an

“NEW” MLA LOBSTER GEAR Call 781-545-6984 or visit Working to www.lobstermen.com maintain a

sustainable resource in the marine ecosystem. 8 Otis Place · Scituate, MA · 02066 781.545.6984

Individuals can help this cause by becoming a Supporting Member.

For more information, visit our website www.lobstermen.com M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 3 M h c r a

SPONSOR LIST 8 1 0 2

THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES ARE CURRENT; FULL $250.00 SUPPORTING MEMBERS OF MLA. WE ENCOURAGE OUR MEMBERS TO PATRONIZE THEM. IF YOUR COMPANY IS NOT LISTED IN THIS LISTING AND YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO BE, PLEASE CONTACT TRACEY ABBOUD AT 781-545-6984 or [email protected]

ALIVE & KICKING LOBSTER CAPE TIP SEAFOODS DOLE & BAILEY HERCULES MANCHESTER LOBSTER LOUIS MASTRANGELO CHRIS KING SPENCER MONTGOMERY JOHN REARDON TONY REZZA CAMBRIDGE, MA PROVINCETOWN WOBURN, MA NEW BEDFORD MA MANCHESTER, MA 617-876-0451 508-487-0259 781-935-1234 508-993-0010 508-932-0990 www.doleandbailey.com ARK BAIT CAPE TIP SEAFOODS www.northeastoceans.com JOLIN LOBSTER MARINE PROPELLER SERVICE FRESH/SALTED MENHADEN BAIT CHRIS KING MANCHESTER, MA MIKE VALM 508-678-4161 ORLEANS EAST COAST SEAFOOD GEOFFREY SONES NEW BEDFORD, MA 508-255-7221 LYNN, MA TEL 978-526-7954 / FAX 978- 508-979-8000 BAR HARBOR LOBSTER SPIROS TOURKAKIS 526-7609 JEFF HAZELL CAPTAIN VINCE LOBSTER 781-593-1737 MARINE HYDRAULIC ORLANDO, FL ANTHONY CIARAMETARO JOHN M. KARBOTT CUSTOM ENGINEERING 407-851-4001 ESSEX, MA ELECTRA-DYNE CO INC. WOODEN BOAT BUILDING & ROBERT CROWE 978-375-7163 JUDY MACCAFERRI REPAIR ROCKLAND, ME BESSY BAIT PLYMOUTH, MA PLYMOUTH, MA 207-594-9525 / 1-800-747- SEABROOK, NH CAPTAIN MARDEN’S 508-746-3270 508-224-3709 7550 603-300-2846 SEAFOODS www.by-the-sea.com/ www.bessybait.com WELLESLEY, MA FARM CREDIT EAST karbottboatbuilding MORTILLARO LOBSTER, INC. KIM MARDEN MIDDLEBORO, MA VINCE MORTILLARO BOB LOBSTER 781-329-7007 781-329-0792 508-946-4455 KETCHAM TRAPS GLOUCESTER, MA (FISH MKT & LOBSTER POUND) www.captainmardens.com ROBERT KETCHAM 798-281-0959 ROBERT HARTIGAN FISHER AIR FASTENERS NEW BEDFORD, MA PLUM ISLAND, MA CHANNEL FISH CO., INC. ED & CHRIS FISHER 508-997-4787 My Family Life Insurance 978-465-7100 LOUIS SILVESTRO PEMBROKE, MA JOHN BARNES EAST BOSTON 781-826-2522 KINGFISHER TRAP GEORGETOWN, MA BOSTON LOBSTER 617-569-3200 CARL HOWARD 978-494-4574 Lobster Dealer FISHERMEN SERVICES DENNIS, MA NEIL ZARELLA CHERRY ST. FISH MARKET Nancy Reid & Elaine Kracov 508-385-5968 NAUSET FISH & LOBSTER 617-464-1500 DANVERS, MA 781-545-5073 POOL www.bostonlobstercompany.com DARRYL PARKER KING LOBSTERS ORLEANS, MA 978-777-3449 FRIENDSHIP TRAP CO. D.J. KING REBECCA HARRISON BOSTON SWORD & TUNA CHRIS ANDERSON BRANFORD, CT 508-255-1019 STEPHEN SCOLA CHRIS ELECTRONICS CORP. FRIENDSHIP, ME 203-488-6926 Boston, MA 255 MacArthur Drive 800-451-1200 NEW ENGLAND BOATING 617.946.9850 New Bedford, MA KING MARINE LLC 508-789-6708 508-994-8257 GRUNDENS USA CAPT. GEORRDIE KING [email protected] BROOKS TRAP MILL MICHAEL JACKSON MARINE SURVEYOR STEPHEN BROOKS COASTAL HYDRAULICS POULSBO, WA 207-337-8706 NEW ENGLAND CRAB THOMASTON, ME PETE BOUDREAU 360-779-4439 [email protected] COMPANY 207-354-8763 SEABROOK, NH www.grundens.com BOSTON, MA [email protected] 603-474-1914 LOBSTER CRUISES MARK NEWBERT HAMILTON MARINE INC. PAUL QUINTAL 617-464-1999 C-TRAP COHASETT LOBSTER POUND DAVID NORMAN PLYMOUTH, MA MATT BORGES TOMMY ALIOTO SEARSPORT, ME 508-746-5342 N.E. MARINE & INDUSTRIAL MATTAPOISETT, MA COHASETT, MA 207-548-6302 INC. 508-758-2470 781-383-1551 LOBSTER TRAP FISH MARKET MIKE RICHARDSON (NH) HARBOR FUELS MONUMET BEACH, MA 603-436-2836 CAPE COD CLAM & SEAFOOD COMMERCIAL MARINE ELEC 617-720-FUEL 508-759-6400 781-834-9301 Info@ SO. CHATHAM DANIEL HODGKINS [email protected] WWW.LOBSTERTRAP.COM newenglandmarine.com CURT COLLINS SCITUATE, MA 508-246-4366 781-545-7883 JAMES HOOK & CO. LOBSTER TRAP CO. THE NET RESULT www.comercialmarine.net ED HOOK JR. LOGAN CLARK LOUIS LARSEN CAPE CODDER MARINE, LLC BOSTON, MA BOURNE, MA MARTHA’S VINEYARD BOB DOBIAS WILL COLLINS 617-423-5500 508-759-4928 [email protected] Swampscott, MA Marine Sales Manager www.lobstertrap.com 978-979-1795 Cummins Sales/Service INDUSTRIAL MARINE MKTG. NEW ENGLAND PROPELLER www.capecodderboats.com Office 781-801-1772 ROGER SMITH LYNCH LOBSTER CO RON PECK Cell 401-339-4004 WAKEFIELD, RI JOHN LYNCH PLYMOUTH, MA CAPE SEAFOODS BAIT DEALER [email protected] 401-782-4412 BEVERLY, MA 800-635-9504 GERRY O’NEIL 978-921-8088 [email protected] GLOUCESTER 978-479-4642

SPONSORS Continued on page 4 4 • M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m 2 0 1 8 a r c h M

NORTH ATLANTIC POWER SANDWICH SHIP SUPPLY Wellfleet TWIN DISC ~ DON SPRING Shellfish Co. The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association would like to SAM PROFIO SANDWICH, MA Alex Hay welcome the following new members to the Association. Your EXETER, NH 508-888-0200 508-255-5300 Association will continue its efforts on your behalf to conserve the [email protected] sales@ resource, protect your livelihood, keep you informed, promote the 603-418-0470 SEA CLIFF LOBSTER wellfleetshell. industry and provide you with increasing benefits as they are developed. FRANK COLLINS com MLA stands ready to help you in anyway, at anytime — just let us know NORTHEAST TRAP LLC MANOMET, MA how! Safe on the water and good fishing! Michael Christian / Peter 508-224-5700 WINDWARD Christian POWER Douglas, Ma SEA ROSE TRAP SYSTEMS Member Vessel/Company Home Port 508.294.6999 15 Kettle Cove Ln. #2 JIM & NATE Robert Hewitt Jr F/V No Butts Sandwich [email protected] GLOUCESTER, MA TYNAN FAIRHAVEN, MA Stephen Roderick F/V Wicked Good Province Town OCEAN STATE LOBSTER SILVER KEY, INC. 774-992-0059 KEVIN BATES WESTPORT, MA www. Glenn F/V Mirage Vineyard Haven NARRAGANSETT, RI CHUCK HUSKINS windwardpower. James Moleti F/V Frances Elizabeth Nahant 401-782-3500 508-673-3310 com Mark J. Irvine F/V Lulu 2 Nahant PENDER MARINE SERVICES SPURS MARINE Mfg YANKEE PAUL PENDER PABLO SOSA FISHERMEN’S Vincent Mortillaro Mortillaro Lobster Co. Gloucester WESTWOOD, MA FORT LAUDERDALE, FL CO-OP. 617-240-1622 800-824-5372 SEABROOK, NH Alexander Brewster F/V Kiim & Jake Westport 603-474-9850 RAJ FISH CORP SUNRISE LOBSTER COMPANY INGER DZWLEWICZ PAUL SALKE GREENLAWN, NJ BROOKHAVEN, NY TO ALL 631-757-8264 631-286-7301 SPONSORS PLEASE RFP LOBSTER BAIT TWO COUSINS FISH MARKET CONTACT THE DICK PERENTZ BRIAN O’DONOHOE MLA OFFICE 774-248-0292 FREEPORT, NY WITH CURRENT CONTACT 516-379-5065 INFORMATION RIVERDALE MILLS IF YOU KNOW OF ANY NORTHBRIDGE, MA W.B. VAN DUZER CO. CHANGES TO THE 508-234-8715 WILLIAN VAN DUZER SPONSOR LISTS ROWAND FISHERIES DUXBURY, MA PLEASE LET US KNOW DANA ROWAND 781-585-7664 Emails -Phone numbers- 2 CABOT ST. Contact person BEVERLY MA 01915 BRENDA WEEKS TRAVEL TO HAVE YOUR COMPANY 978-927-1871 BRENDA WEEKS LISTED CONTACT 508-747-7630 Tracey Abboud ROSES MARINE [email protected] 781-545-6984 MARTY BOLCOME GLOUCESTER, MA 877-283-3334 www.rosesmarine.com M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 5 M h c r a March 2018 8 1 0 2

3/11 Daylight Savings Times Begins Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead

3/11-13 Seafood Expo Noth America Boston Convention Center

3/21 MLA Delegates meetings Son’s of Italy Hall Quincy, MA 7:00 pm

3/27 Farm Bureau AG Day at the State House State House, Boston MA

April 2018

4/18 MLA Delegates meeting Sons Of Italy Hall Quincy, MA 7:00 pm

MLA Member Benefits

5% DISCOUNT ON SERVICE FOR MLA MEMBERS!

LIFERAFT INSPECTIONS

EPIRBs & PLBs

SIGNALING DEVICES

IMMERSION SUITS & PFDs

PICKUP & DELIVERY www.SURVIVALATSEA.com 207.363.0220 6 • M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m 2 0 1 8 a r c h M

Visit us at fishermenservices.com now mobile friendly Service Provider for MLA Non-Profit Boat Protection Cooperative Ltd. MLA’s #1 Commercial Boating Insurance Provider 781-545-5073

 Agreed Hull Value – Protection & Indemnity

 Crew Coverage - Extended Policy Limits - Chartering

 Marina Floaters - Multiple Fisheries & Deductibles Call us for a free quote or request a quote online! M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 7 M

BETH’S BLOG... h c r a

First and foremost, I would like to say a BIG “Thank intriguing, cost prohibitive and unsafe. 8 1 0 2 you” to all of you who took the time to participate at this year’s MLA Annual Weekend & Trade Unfortunately, the government is continually besieged Show. The dedication of the MLA Annual Weekend by environmental law suits every time the NARW Committee, vendors, sponsors and MLA members stock assessment comes out with unfeasible demands to who are available to make it all happen. It is with your further protect the NARW when these animals travel far unrelenting support and enthusiasm that continually beyond the eyes of spotters flying over Cape Cod Bay. makes the Annual Weekend and Trade Show a huge I find it rather concerning that year after year millions success and is greatly appreciated by all who attend. upon millions of dollars are continually allocated on the monitoring, lawsuits, management protections Now as the 2018 industry events, public hearings and and more, leads one to think these whales are not just industry meetings are ramping up it is beginning to animals but job creators and ultimately money makers. feel more like it should be June. In the last two months the MLA Director, MLA Instead of spending millions of dollars of tax payers’ money on lawsuits and Officers, Executive In the last two months the Committee Members more management why not and Delegates have been MLA Director, MLA Officers, put the money into a better collectively attending Executive Committee Members way to track each animal so we can finally see where these commitments, and Delegates have been representing you at the they are actually going and table so that you can collectively attending these interactions are occurring? Wouldn’t environmentalists continue on working. commitments, representing Last but not least, remember the government that want to know, we do! These dedicated MLA implements and regulates these laws work for us, and you at the table so that you With the advancement of representatives are hard working, tax paying, US citizens like you are technology today you can committed to you and the can continue on working. paying for all the monitoring, lawsuits, management tag just about anything future of the commercial protections related to the whales. When will the why not tag these whales? lobster industry and I am government stop the bleeding of funds and look for Maybe they don’t want to really know where they go privileged to be sitting at these tables with them. real economical monitoring solutions such as tagging? because they may find more of them just like they did Strange, if we really know where these animals go and In February several of these MLA members represented last year in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. where the real problem is there ultimately might be no you, at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute crisis here in the US between the fisheries and whales. meeting on Rope-less fishing to further protect the Whereas, these environmental groups presently suing the government know right well that the whales are in North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW). This is not a As always safe fishing, Beth Casoni, Executive new idea and is currently being used in the Australian Massachusetts waters at a time when there is a 3,000 Director lobster fishery for years now. Why would someone sq mile closure leaving a 0% chance of interaction is want to do this one may ask? When in reality they are completely frustrating to say the least. Last year, these doing this solely for financial gain to stop poachers! whales came to feed and safely left Massachusetts Furthermore, it is working there because there are waters?! They will never be satisfied until the Potential less than 50 fishermen who each have their own Biological Removal (PBR) of one is attained. The PBR area to fish with no gear conflicts. When something is unrealistic as these animals travel internationally into like this is working elsewhere does not mean it can countries with no laws of protection in place and no work everywhere. The reality of rope-less fishing other ramifications when interactions or deaths occur. some fishermen have called; Star Trekish, unrealistic, 8 • M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association Office 781-545-6984 2 0 1 8 8 Otis Place Fax 781-545-7837 Scituate, MA 02066 www.lobstermen.com

a r c h M MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP  Full Voting  Associate  Business $150 Annual Dues $150 Annual Dues $250 Annual Dues

*To qualify for a Full Regular Membership, you MUST (1) hold a valid Mass. Commercial Lobster License, (2) reside in Massachusetts, (3) be sponsored by either two Regular Members or one Delegate, and (4) send in a copy of your lobster license with this application. Sponsors: #1 Name______[ ] Delegate [ ] Regular Member

#2 Name______[ ] Delegate [ ] Regular Member

______Name

Business Name * Business members will now be listed in 2”x2” ad in the new MLA business section at the front of the monthly newspaper, a 2”x2” ad linked to your website will be added to the MLA website, preferential ad location selection in the newspaper and early registration and booth preferences for the MLA Annual Weekend event.

Address

City/Town State Zip Code

Home Phone Cell Phone Work Phone Fax Number

Email Address Website

Vessel Name Homeport Permit ID# Type of Permit

[ ] Check here if you would like Hull and P&I Insurance information sent to you

Payment options – Cash, Check, Master Card or Visa

Credit Card Number Exp. Date 3 digit security# Zip code

Signature______Date: ______/______/______M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 9 M ROBERT A WHEELER EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS h c r a The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Scholarship applications are available at be sure to have them return a completed (REFERENCES: Please enclose any Association each year provides the MLA office or you can download a application, essay and school transcript letters of recommendation and at 8 1 0 2 educational scholarships for dependant form on the website www.lobstermen. byApril 30, 2018. least two from the following choices: teenagers who will be entering their com forms page. Please mail to the MLA office. School Principal, Guidance Counselor, first year of college in the fall of this If you have a high school senior MLA 8 Otis Place, Scituate, MA 02066. Instructor in your major, Pastor or year. The MLA educational grants entering college this September, please Minister are in memory of Robert A. Wheeler.

MASSACHUSETTS LOBSTERMEN'S ASSOCIATION, INC. SCHOLARSHIP AWARD APPLICATION 2018 IN MEMORY OF ROBERT A. WHEELER

This application should contain accurate and detailed information and be accompanied by a copy of your official high school transcript that is signed and sealed.

Name:______

Home Address______

City/Town: ______State Zip

Father, Mother and/or guardian's Name: Occupation

Are they a current member of the Mass. Lobstermen's Association? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Are both parents living? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Do you have anyone financially dependent upon you? [ ] Yes [ ] No

If yes, please explain: _

How much financial aid is expected in your first year of college / trade school: _

Name of High School and year of graduation:

Name of college or trade school you expect to enter: _

Have you been accepted for admission:

What is your anticipated tuition: ______

Have you received any other scholarships - If yes, state amount(s): ______

What business or profession do you expect to prepare for:______

What extra-curricular activities have you participated in:______10• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

2 0 1 8 Rose Marine a r c h

M Gloucester, MASS www.rosesmarine.com 877-283-3334

Complete Line of PACER Complete Line of JOHNSON Pumps, Parts & Accessories Pumps, Parts & Accessories

Bilge Pumps

Close coupled w/ Hydraulic Driven Electric Motor Sized to the flow rate Belt Drive to fit your boat. 2HP to 5HP Engine Cooling Clutch Driven 1PH and 3PH Complete Hydraulic Hauling Systems Power- Steering systems Custom built to your specs Customized with in-stock components To fit your exact needs.

New! 12” & 14” Hauler Motors now available with nickel-plated shafts. Hydraulic valves, motors, pumps Authorized SEASTAR Solutions And other components. (FORMERLY Teleflex) Repair Facility for the Northeastern U.S.

Same-Day service available on most emergency repairs!

M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 11

M h c r a Mufflers & Exhaust Components ` Rose Marine 8 1 0 2 Gloucester, MASS www.rosesmarine.com 877-283-3334 Aqualoy Stainless Propeller Shafts & Accessories Disc Liners – Available in Steel or Stainless Steel

 Best Pricing 12” & 14”  Largest Inventory  Fastest Turnaround Call Peter Tetrault – ext 231 For a price on your next shaft.

Controls

Quality Oil Coolers Made in the U.S.A.  Stainless Steel Wrapped  All Seamless Tubing  Teflon Core  Super Low friction  High pressure available

 90/10 copper-nickel Ask for the GREEN MARINE cable  2” to 5” Dia. Body in stock Mufflers and Exhaust Anchor Flush Mount Hatches Components

Stainless Steel Mufflers And Accessories 2” – 8” inlet size in stock 12• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

GUEST COLUMN “What’s Causing Right Whale Decline?” 2 0 1 8

a r c h here is no argument that the North Atlantic oil into tiny droplets. It is documented that decreased survival and lowered reproductive M Right Whale is in dire straits. Dr. Mark for 3 months, marine microorganisms have success may occur. TBaumgartner, a biologist from the Woods ingested these toxins, which are carried along Hole Oceanographic Institute, gave a compelling the Gulf Stream, a strong underwater current Even if this hypothesis is debunked, it is fact presentation on “The Plight of the Right Whale” that flows through the Gulf of Mexico, skirts that the Right Whale food source is dwindling. this past Tuesday evening, January 23, 2018 around Florida, flowing between Cuba and up According to a Canadian Broadcasting at the Vineyard Gazette office. Since it was the Eastern seaboard. Since the Right Whale Corporation article dating September 21, advertised, it was well attended. gives birth off the coasts of Georgia and Florida, 2017, “the overall abundance of copepods are could these toxic chemicals be part of their decreasing.” “We’ve found that when there’s a One point of interest was that the right whales decline? “The chemicals in the oil product period of years and prey is low and less available were making a healthy comeback, a two-decade that move up through the food web are a great for the right whale, they reproduce slower,” said period of modest annual growth; the population concern for us,” said Teri Rowles, coordinator Erin Meyer-Gubrod, a post-doctoral scholar in rebounded from 270 living whales in 1992 to of NOAA’s marine-mammal health and stranding marine phenology at the University of California, 483 in 2010. From 2010, the numbers began to response program. It is also documented that Santa Barbara. An audience member during Dr. decline rapidly, with 2017 being a particularly female mammals including humans that have Baumgartner presentation asked him if there devastating year, a loss of 17 whales. Dr. been in contact with these toxins have suffered was anyway to replicate the copepod in the Baumgartner stressed the main focus was on from irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, laboratory. His reply was not in the amounts the whale entanglements with snow crab and lobster miscarriages and stillborns, along with premature whales need on a daily basis. gear, and the urgent measures needed to be taken aging and other debilitating side effects. John These findings make an excellent case for immediately within the fishery. Massachusetts Pierce Wise Sr., co-author of the 2014 study and alternative “green energy” but the off-shore fishermen are leading the way with break away head of the Wise laboratory of Environment and windfarm developers are not off the hook. links at the base of surface buoys (to 600lbs Genetic Toxicology at the University of Southern According to Dr. Baumgartner, the Right in 2001), sink rope (mandated in 2003), gear Maine says, “To put it simply, after a sudden Whale is a very social animal and relies reductions and seasonal gear restrictions in insult like an oil spill, once it’s over, it takes a heavily on its sense of sound to communicate Cape Cod Bay. He also touched on ship strikes long time for the population effects to fully show with other whales for courtship and food. It is as being a cause of death. The Marine Mammal themselves.” This same article states “research well documented in studies from Europe that Commission stated that “other potential threats has shown that the calves of other baleen whales “the major environmental concerns related to include spills of hazardous substances from (other than Bryde’s whale) may be particularly offshore wind developments are increased noise ships or other sources, and noise from ships and vulnerable to toxins that build in their tissues.” levels, risk of collisions, changes to benthic and industrial activities.” pelagic habitats, alterations to food webs and A letter dating August 17, 2017 from the pollution from increased vessel traffic or release But what Dr. Baumgartner could not explain was office of the Massachusetts Attorney General of contaminants from seabed sediments.” In an the scarcity of food that these leviathans need in “Reference for information and comments article dated July 28, 2017, Dr. Ingrid Biedrton to feed on and their low birth rate. He showed of the 2019-2024 National Outer Continental from Oceans states, “North Atlantic right whales the audience slides on the Calanus finmarchicus, Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program,” refers can’t take any more noise in their environment.” known as copepods and remarked that this type to the Deepwater Horizon disaster and its On the Marine Mammal Commission’s plankton, sought after by these whales, are “harm to coastal communities and marine website, “pile driving” is considered a threat basically comprised of fat, or as Dr. Baumgartner environment” and “long ranging impacts on to the Right Whale. Since the right whale is called them “buttersticks”. Each adult whale marine mammals. The impacts on sea turtles already threatened, will the construction of off needs to consume between 1,000-2,000 a day to could span the Atlantic.” The letter also states, shore wind farms cause further stressed on an remain healthy. The birthrate has dropped 40% “from 2010 through September 2016, there were already declining right whale population? Dr. from 2010-2016 and all 5 calves that were born 43 significant oil spills.” Baumgartner said he didn’t know. in 2017 were to older mothers. “Since about 2011, we’re not seeing those sub-adults and In an article dated December 5, 2017, ecologist According to Dr. Mark Baumgartner, beginning juveniles in Florida and the question is, well, Peter Corkeron of NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries in 2010, gear entanglements and ship strikes where are they?” asks Jim Hain, senior scientist Center in Woods Hole at the North Atlantic Right seem to be the leading culprit to the Right at Associated Scientist at Woods Hole. Scott Whale Consortium’s annual meeting, “They’re Whale’s decline. But are there other factors to Kraus, a marine mammalogist from the New (female right whales) are dying too young, look at as well? By: Susan M. Larsen, Chilmark, England Aquarium in Boston says, “Females and they’re not having calves often enough.” MA are having young just every 9 years or more, This study found the females are struggling to compared with every 3 years in the 1980’s.” reproduce. Dr. Baumgartner is the president of the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium. Perhaps the decline is linked to the environmental disaster on April 20, 2010, the To sum it up, “the impacts from the 2010 Deep Water Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Deepwater Horizon oil spill not only continue Mexico. From April 20, 2010 to July 15, 2010, in the Gulf but have resulted in a domino effect more than 200 million gallons of oil spilled of upsets to whales and dolphins throughout into the gulf followed by another one million the U.S.” and in an article from NOAA titled gallons of Corexit, a dispersant mixture of “Impacts of Oil on Marine Mammals and Sea solvents and surfactants that break down the Turtles” “long term chronic effects such as M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 13 M

h c r a

Atlantic States Marine 8 1 0 2 AtlanticFisheries States Commission Marine Fisheries Commission

NEWS RELEASE

Vision: Sustainably Managing Atlantic NEWS Coastal Fisheries RELEASE Vision: Sustainably Managing Atlantic Coastal Fisheries FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Tina Berger or Megan Ware FebruaryFOR 7,IMMEDIATE 2018 RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Tina Berger or 703.842.0740Megan Ware February 7, 2018 703.842.0740

ASMFC ASMFC American American Lobster Lobster Board Board Approves Approves Addenda Addenda XXVI/III to to the the AmericanAmerican Lobster/Jonah Lobster/Jonah Crab Crab FMPsFMPs

Arlington,Arlington, VA – VA The – TheCommission’s Commission’s American American Lobster Lobster Management Management Board Board (Board)(Board) approved American American LobsterLobster Addendum Addendum XXVI/Jonah XXVI/Jonah Crab Crab Addendum Addendum III III(Addenda) (Addenda) to to the the American American Lobster andand Jonah Jonah Crab Crab FisheryFishery Management Management Plans Plans (FMPs). (FMPs). The The Addenda Addenda improves improves the the spatial spatial resolution resolution of of harvester harvester data data collection,collection, expands expands the requiredthe required harvester harvester reporting reporting data data elements, elements, establishes establishes a timeline for for increased increased harvesterharvester reporting reporting in the in Americanthe American lobster lobster and and Jonah Jonah crab crab fisheries, fisheries, and and prioritizes prioritizes thethe developmentdevelopment of of electronicelectronic harvester harvester reporting reporting. In. addition,In addition, the the Addenda Addenda includes includes recommendations recommendations for for improved improved reportingreporting and biologicaland biological sampling sampling in federal in federal waters. waters.

The AddendaThe Addenda responds responds to two to two concerns: concerns: 1) 1) the the current current requirements requirements for for harvester reporting reporting are are insufficientinsufficient to respond to respond to external to external management management actions; actions; and and 2) 2) while while thethe AmericanAmerican lobsterlobster and and Jonah Jonah crab fisheriescrab fisheries continue continue to expand to expand offshore, offshore, most most of ofthe the biological biological sampling sampling occursoccurs inshore or or nearshore. nearshore. In particular, the Board expressed concern the spatial resolution of harvester data is too coarse to In particular, the Board expressed concern the spatial resolution of harvester data is too coarse to respond to finer-scale management issues. As a result, the Addenda improves the spatial resolution of respond to finer-scale management issues. As a result, the Addenda improves the spatial resolution of data by requiring fishermen to report via 10 minute squares, which further divide the existing statistical data byareas. requiring In addition, fishermen the addendato report establishes via 10 minute a one squares, year pilot which program further to divide explore the electronic existing statistical tracking areas.devices In addition, in the the fishery addenda which establishes would address a one the year special pilot resolution program and to enforcement explore electronic concerns. tracking The devicesaddenda in the requires fishery additional which would data elements address in the harvester special reports resolution including and number enforcement of traps concerns.per trawl and The addendanumber requires of buoy additional lines in data order elements to collect in harvester information reports on gear including configurations. number of Finally, traps theper Addendatrawl and numberestablishes of buoy a deadline lines in that, order within to collect five years, information states are required on gear to configurations. implement 100% Finally, harvester the reporting, Addenda establisheswith the a deadline prioritization that, of within electronic five years, harvester states reporting are required development to implement during 100%that time. harvester In the reporting, interim, with thejurisdictions prioritization not at of 100% electronic harvester harvester reporting reporting should development redistribute the during current that effort time. associated In the interim, with jurisdictionsharvester not reporting at 100% to focus harvester on active, reporting as opposed should to latent, redistribute permit theholders. current effort associated with harvester reporting to focus on active, as opposed to latent, permit holders. The Addenda also improves the biological sampling requirements by establishing a baseline of ten The Addendasampling trips also per improves year in the the American biological lobster/Jonah sampling requirementscrab fishery and by encourages establishing states a with baseline more of than ten sampling10% tripsof coastwide per year landings in the American in either lobster/Jonahthe American lobster crab fishery or Jonah and crab encourages fisheries statesto conduct with additional more than sampling trips. 10% of coastwide landings in either the American lobster or Jonah crab fisheries to conduct additional sampling trips.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission was formed by the 15 Atlantic coastal states in 1942 for the promotion and protection of coastal fishery resources. The Commission serves as a deliberative body of the Atlantic coastal states, coordinating The Atlanticthe conservation States Marine and management Fisheries Commission of nearshore was fishery formed resources, by the including 15 Atlantic marine, coastal shell states and anadromous in 1942 for species. the promotion and

protection of coastal fishery resources.1050 The N. Highland Commission Street serves • Suite as a 200A-N deliberative • Arlington, body of theVA 22201Atlantic coastal states, coordinating the conservation and management of703.842.0740 nearshore fishery (phone) resources, 703.842.0741 including marine,(fax) www.asmfc.org shell and anadromous species.

1050 N. Highland Street • Suite 200A-N • Arlington, VA 22201 703.842.0740 (phone) 703.842.0741 (fax) www.asmfc.org 14• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m 2 0 1 8 a r c h M

WE ARE FISHING See What’s New: Grundéns.com

Maine Lobstermen's.indd 1 1/19/17 3:26 PM M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 15 M FOR YOUR HEALTH Tips for a Healthy Season h c r a

Spring is the perfect time to fine-tune your focus on living a wellness lifestyle. OUTDOOR ERGONOMICS. 8 1 0 2 No matter what your passion: working out, spring cleaning or managing Yard work and gardening require stretching and hydration just like traditional seasonal allergies, Chiro One shares tips you can use to make this your healthiest workouts do. They also involve the use of heavy mechanical equipment. Next season yet! time you work in the yard, be sure to follow these tips: • If using mechanical equipment, use a strap secured across your body to NATURAL ALLERGY ADVERSARIES. normalize your center of gravity. Looking for natural ways to fend off seasonal allergy symptoms? Sometimes • Alternate using equipment on each side of your body. the solutions are simple! • Take frequent breaks. • Keep allergens out! Keep windows closed or certain rooms pet-free to limit your exposure. Regular dusting and vacuuming helps, too. • Use proper lifting techniques. • Cold and caffeine for puffy eyes. Caffeine-based creams or cold compresses • Hold heavy equipment close to your body. can be especially soothing for irritated eyes. • Get buzzy! Some studies show pure, raw, local honey may help build natural antibodies to pollen. SPRING CLEANING. • Try a neti pot. This ancient Indian tradition provides a natural method of Feeling the need to open the windows and clean the closets? Make sure to clean nasal cleansing. out your cleaning supplies, too. Check ingredient lists on websites of everyday • Track pollen counts. Watch the news, listen to the radio or visit local products and rid your home of those that contain these common toxins: weather websites to check pollen levels before you head out. • Sodium hypochlorite: extremely corrosive, can produce a toxic gas when combined with other products FOODS THAT PACK A FIGHT! • Butyl cellosolve: linked to reproductive issues, birth defects, liver and Did you know you can eat your way to allergy relief? Many common foods have kidney damage anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that soothe allergy symptoms. • Nitrobenzene: deadly if swallowed, inhaling can lead to shallow breathing Fight your flare-up with these everyday foods: • Thirourea: American Cancer Society “known carcinogen” • Apples (contain flavonoids that fend off inflammation) • Red grapes (boast antioxidants and resveratrol; both fight inflammation) https://www.chiroone.net/bewell/spring-into-wellness-tips-for-a-healthy-season • Citrus fruits (their dose of vitamin C does wonders for cold and allergy symptoms) • Collard greens (rich in carotenoids which reduce allergic reactions) • Fish and nuts (both have properties that boost immunity and fight inflammation) 16• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m 2 0 1 8 a r c h M M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 17 M h c r a 8 1 0 2 NEW!

Rock Hard Runners

• Embedded Fiberglass and Concrete Mix • Stronger Than Cement • Strengthens Traps for a Longer Life “These Pots are Smokin’ !”

111 Myrtle Street www.ketchamsupply.com New Bedford, MA 02740 [email protected] @ketchamsupply 508.997.4787 18• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

2 0 1 8 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries a r c h 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400 M Boston, Massachusetts 02114 David E. Pierce, Ph.D. (617)626-1520 Director fax (617)626-1509 Charles D. Baker Governor Karyn E. Polito Lieutenant Governor Matthew A. Beaton Secretary Ronald Amidon February 15, 2018 Commissioner Mary-Lee King Deputy Commissioner Fixed Gear Fishermen of Massachusetts,

MarineFisheries will be conducting its annual spring trawl survey throughout state coastal waters beginning May 7, 2018. Surveys have been conducted each May and September since 1978 to provide a consistent sampling of benthic fishes and mobile invertebrates. Survey data is used to monitor the condition of fish stocks, as well as to inform the environmental review process that minimizes construction impacts on fisheries resources. Maintaining access to the planned sampling sites is critical to the integrity of the survey.

Please review the attached table of station locations and the accompanying figures which plot the sample sites. Station location information can also be accessed on our website (http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dmf/programs-and-projects/resource-assessment-surveys- project.html). We kindly ask for your cooperation and insist that all fixed gear be kept clear of station locations (1.5 n. mi. diameter circle as shown in figure - center point reported in table) for the indicated periods until station completion. While we will make every attempt to complete stations during the assigned period to minimize inconvenience to fixed gear fishermen, MarineFisheries is prepared to attach restrictions to permit renewals (under 322 CMR 7.01 (7)), mandating that fixed gear not be set on designated trawl survey sites for the announced dates. It remains our hope that this action will be unnecessary.

Sign-up to receive text notifications of trawl survey progress on the MarineFisheries website (http://www.mass.gov/dmf/trawlsurvey). A daily updated list of completed survey stations will be sent via text, and posted on the MarineFisheries website and on Twitter (handle: @MassDMF). The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association will also post survey information on their webpage (http://www.lobstermen.com), as well as on Facebook (username: lobstermensassoc) and Twitter (handle: @masslobstermens). In the event of a delay due to weather, the schedule will be resumed as soon as working conditions permit. Fishermen can contact the R/V Gloria Michelle on VHF channels 13 or 16 to determine the updated daily schedule.

Personnel aboard the NOAA R/V Gloria Michelle, a 65’ western rigged steel stern trawler with a blue hull and white deckhouse, will carefully check each site for marked gear by cruising along a selected tow path before the net is set. Twenty-minute tows undertaken at 2.5 knots cover approximately 0.8 nautical miles. We encourage communicating helpful information to the R/V officers (via channels 13 or 16).

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and is vital to the effective monitoring of marine resources in the Commonwealth. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact me ([email protected], (508) 990-2860 x 39743). If you have any questions about the MarineFisheries website, Facebook, or Twitter, please contact Story Reed ([email protected], 617- 626-1524).

Sincerely,

Matt Camisa Senior Marine Fisheries Biologist Cc. David Pierce, Director M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 19 M

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries * Loran coordinates taken from NOAA paper charts. h c r a Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries * Loran coordinates taken from NOAA paper charts. May 2018 Spring Trawl Survey Station Locations Please refer to Lat/Long for best accuracy. May 2018 Spring Trawl Survey Station Locations Please refer to Lat/Long for best accuracy. South of Cape Cod Massachusetts Bay to New Hampshire 8 1 0 2 Area Description Depth Range of Dates Latitude Longitude Loran Sta. ID# Area Description Depth Range of Dates Latitude Longitude Loran Sta. ID# Nantucket Sound 0-30' May 17-27 41°23.82 -70°11.29 13994.0 / 43861.9 S-20 Cape Ann and 0-30' May 11-14 42°45.61 -70°47.52 13828.5 / 44401.8 N-1 0-30' May 17-27 41°24.12 -70°19.27 14039.1 / 43874.5 S-21 North 0-30' May 11-14 42°50.61 -70°48.59 13808.1 / 44429.9 N-2 0-30' May 17-27 41°25.39 -70°25.69 14071.3 / 43891.3 S-22 31'-60' May 11-14 42°41.93 -70°43.14 13819.5 / 44374.1 N-3 0-30' May 17-27 41°32.34 -70°17.42 13994.1 / 43924.0 S-23 31'-60' May 11-14 42°44.62 -70°45.80 13822.5 / 44393.5 N-4 0-30' May 17-27 41°32.50 -70°31.00 14073.8 / 43944.3 S-24 61'-90' May 11-14 42°47.66 -70°45.87 13806.3 / 44409.4 N-5 0-30' May 17-27 41°32.61 -70°11.71 13959.9 / 43917.8 S-25 61'-90' May 11-14 42°36.78 -70°36.37 13803.2 / 44334.1 N-6 0-30' May 17-27 41°33.88 -70°13.73 13966.0 / 43928.5 S-26 61'-90' May 11-14 42°44.26 -70°44.27 13814.4 / 44388.7 N-7 0-30' May 17-27 41°36.01 -70°07.78 13922.0 / 43946.6 S-27 91'-120' May 11-14 42°39.63 -70°34.06 13773.4 / 44344.9 N-8 0-30' May 17-27 41°35.00 -70°22.40 14012.0 / 43948.0 S-28 91'-120' May 11-14 42°42.03 -70°38.08 13786.0 / 44365.0 N-9 0-30' May 17-27 41°31.83 -70°21.36 14019.5 / 43926.5 S-29 91'-120' May 11-14 42°43.18 -70°41.09 13799.5 / 44376.6 N-10 31'-60' May 17-27 41°28.67 -70°13.49 13986.8 / 43895.5 S-30 121'-180' May 11-14 42°35.39 -70°35.41 13804.4 / 44324.3 N-11 31'-60' May 17-27 41°26.55 -70°22.42 14047.3 / 43894.4 S-31 121'-180' May 11-14 42°36.52 -70°33.63 13787.2 / 44327.2 N-12 31'-60' May 17-27 41°24.73 -70°16.60 14021.2 / 43874.7 S-32 121'-180' May 11-14 42°38.28 -70°32.81 13772.5 / 44335.4 N-13 31'-60' May 17-27 41°29.83 -70°30.05 14078.7 / 43926.0 S-33 181'+ May 11-14 42°36.01 -70°33.15 13786.7 / 44323.3 N-14 31'-60' May 17-27 41°28.21 -70°05.37 13941.8 / 43881.5 S-34 181'+ May 11-14 42°37.74 -70°30.59 13761.5 / 44328.1 N-15 31'-60' May 17-27 41°26.18 -70°08.80 13970.0 / 43873.5 S-35 31'-60' May 17-27 41°29.78 -70°24.40 14045.5 / 43917.8 S-36 Massachusetts 0-30' May 9-12 42°16.97 -70°51.66 14003.2 / 44251.5 N-16 31'-60' May 17-27 41°30.00 -70°02.29 13916.8 / 43888.9 S-37 Bay 0-30' May 10-12 42°27.33 -70°55.04 13972.3 / 44317.5 N-17 31'-60' May 17-27 41°20.30 -70°05.65 13976.2 / 43832.0 S-38 31'-60' May 9-12 42°17.25 -70°51.50 13999.6 / 44252.6 N-18 31'-60' May 17-27 41°28.23 -70°02.32 13924.5 / 43877.6 S-39 31'-60' May 9-12 42°17.02 -70°48.70 13982.7 / 44246.3 N-19 31'-60' May 17-27 41°36.50 -70°04.63 13901.8 / 43932.2 S-40 31'-60' May 10-12 42°27.12 -70°54.35 13969.4 / 44314.8 N-20 61'-90' May 9-12 42°18.66 -70°47.90 13968.9 / 44254.5 N-21 Buzzards Bay and 0-30' May 17-27 41°29.84 -71°03.35 14280.0 / 43975.3 S-1 61'-90' May 10-12 42°26.94 -70°52.67 13958.4 / 44310.1 N-22 Vineyard Sound 0-30' May 17-27 41°39.67 -70°42.30 14111.0 / 44008.0 S-2 61'-90' May 10-12 42°23.59 -70°54.42 13987.0 / 44294.5 N-23 0-30' May 17-27 41°25.21 -70°45.39 14188.6 / 43917.5 S-3 91'-120' May 9-12 42°18.95 -70°44.00 13943.4 / 44244.0 N-24 31'-60' May 17-27 41°31.18 -70°50.39 14195.4 / 43964.7 S-4 91'-120' May 10-12 42°23.10 -70°49.43 13957.3 / 44282.8 N-25 31'-60' May 17-27 41°33.34 -70°46.89 14165.5 / 43973.6 S-5 91'-120' May 10-14 42°32.85 -70°43.76 13871.3 / 44326.5 N-26 31'-60' May 17-27 41°31.57 -70°48.39 14181.5 / 43964.0 S-6 121'-180' May 10-14 42°30.68 -70°40.81 13863.8 / 44308.9 N-27 31'-60' May 17-27 41°27.24 -70°52.41 14223.0 / 43941.7 S-7 121'-180' May 9-12 42°19.53 -70°42.31 13929.7 / 44249.4 N-28 31'-60' May 17-27 41°29.51 -70°47.99 14187.2 / 43950.0 S-8 121'-180' May 10-14 42°30.90 -70°43.03 13876.8 / 44314.2 N-29 61'-90' May 17-27 41°24.20 -70°51.62 14230.1 / 43920.1 S-9 181'+ May 10-15 42°25.45 -70°39.50 13882.2 / 44277.5 N-30 61'-90' May 17-27 41°22.73 -70°49.77 14224.8 / 43907.5 S-10 181'+ May 10-15 42°28.23 -70°37.95 13857.9 / 44289.9 N-31 61'-90' May 17-27 41°23.83 -70°45.87 14197.0 / 43909.4 S-11 91'-120' May 17-27 41°21.35 -70°56.59 14271.0 / 43908.3 S-12

Southwest of 0-30' May 17-27 41°17.52 -70°24.12 14093.3 / 43837.9 S-13 Gay Head and 0-30' May 17-27 41°16.45 -70°26.92 14113.8 / 43834.5 S-14 Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries * Loran coordinates taken from NOAA paper charts. South of 31'-60' May 17-27 41°17.29 -70°45.36 14219.0 / 43864.8 S-15 May 2018 Spring Trawl Survey Station Locations Please refer to Lat/Long for best accuracy. Martha's Vineyard 31'-60' May 17-27 41°19.51 -70°33.95 14143.0 / 43864.4 S-16 Cape Cod Bay and East of Cape Cod. 61'-90' May 17-27 41°14.29 -70°46.30 14236.0 / 43845.8 S-17 61'-90' May 17-27 41°18.50 -70°34.90 14152.2 / 43858.5 S-18 Area Description Depth Range of Dates Latitude Longitude Loran Sta. ID# 91'-120' May 17-27 41°18.80 -70°52.33 14255.1 / 43884.6 S-19

Western 0-30' May 7-11 42°02.15 -70°37.43 13981.8 / 44138.8 C-1 South of Nantucket 0-30' May 17-27 41°17.63 -70°18.84 14062.5 / 43831.6 S-41 Cape Cod Bay 0-30' May 7-10 41°44.97 -70°16.84 13935.4 / 44002.0 C-2 0-30' May 16-27 41°21.93 -69°59.22 13933.5 / 43834.5 S-42 0-30' May 7-10 41°50.93 -70°31.02 13993.5 / 44060.2 C-3 0-30' May 16-27 41°27.74 -70°00.88 13918.3 / 43873.0 S-43 31'-60' May 7-10 41°47.40 -70°14.65 13911.5 / 44013.5 C-4 31'-60' May 16-27 41°22.54 -69°57.79 13922.8 / 43836.5 S-44 31'-60' May 7-10 41°48.57 -70°29.49 13995.0 / 44043.3 C-5 31'-60' May 17-27 41°13.27 -70°03.94 13995.0 / 43785.1 S-45 31'-60' May 7-10 41°45.81 -70°21.31 13958.2 / 44014.0 C-6 31'-60' May 17-27 41°14.00 -70°11.66 14036.0 / 43799.0 S-46 61'-90' May 7-10 41°50.40 -70°23.77 13952.3 / 44045.8 C-7 61'-90' May 17-27 41°11.94 -70°07.95 14023.0 / 43781.1 S-47 61'-90' May 13-16 41°51.23 -70°19.18 13921.0 / 44043.5 C-8 61'-90' May 7-10 41°47.34 -70°21.96 13955.3 / 44024.3 C-9 91'-120' May 7-10 41°52.83 -70°23.28 13938.2 / 44059.7 C-10 MLA_LABEL LAT LON LORAN_W LORAN-Y MLA_LABELC-10 LAT LON LORAN_WLORAN-Y MLA_LABEL LAT LON LORAN_WLORAN-Y 91'-120' May 7-10 41°54.27 -70°25.40 13944.6 / 44071.5 C-11 Massachusetts Marine Fisheries S-1 41.4974 -71.0558 14280.0 43975.3 S-17 41.2382C-8 -70.7716 14236.0 43845.8 S-33 41.4971 -70.5009 14078.7 43926.0 S-2 41.6611 -70.7050C-3 14111.0 44008.0 S-18 41.3083 -70.5816 14152.2 43858.5 S-34 41.4702 -70.0895 13941.8 43881.5B-6 91'-120' May 7-11 41°57.82 -70°30.32 13958.0 / 44101.0 C-12 Spring 2018 Planned Tow Locations S-3 41.4201 -70.7566 14188.6 43917.5 S-19C-7 41.3133 -70.8722 14255.1C-21 43884.6 S-35 41.4364 -70.1467 13970.0 43873.5 121'-180' May 13-16 41°59.33 -70°23.59 13910.2 / 44098.8 C-13 South of Cape Cod S-4 41.5196 -70.8399 14195.4 43964.7 S-20 41.3970 -70.1882 13994.0 43861.9 S-36 41.4963C-17 -70.4066 14045.5 43917.8 S-5 41.5557 -70.7815 14165.5C-5 43973.6 S-21 41.4021 -70.3212 14039.1 43874.5C-18 S-37 41.5000 -70.0381 13916.8 43888.9 121'-180' May 7-11 41°57.78 -70°26.92 13937.6 / 44095.4 C-14 S-6 41.5261 -70.8066 14181.5 43964.0 S-22 41.4232 -70.4281 14071.3 43891.3 S-38 41.3383 -70.0942 13976.2 43832.0 S-7 41.4541 -70.8735 14223.0 43941.7 S-23C-9 41.5389 -70.2904 13994.1C-4 43924.0 S-39C-16 41.4706 -70.0387 13924.5 43877.6 121'-180' May 13-16 42°01.74 -70°24.22 13902.5 / 44114.3 C-15 S-8 41.4919 -70.7998 14187.2 43950.0 S-24 41.5416 -70.5166 14073.8 43944.3 S-40 41.6084 -70.0772 13901.8 43932.2 S-9 41.4034 -70.8603 14230.1 43920.1 S-25 41.5435C-6 -70.1951 13959.9 43917.8 S-41 41.2939 -70.3139 14062.5 43831.6 S-10 41.3789 -70.8295 14224.8 43907.5 S-26 41.5647 -70.2289C-2 13966.0 43928.5 S-42 41.3655 -69.9870 13933.5 43834.5 Eas te rn 0-30' May 7-10 41°47.25 -70°07.60 13871.0 / 44002.4 C-16 S-11 41.3971 -70.7645 14197.0 43909.4 S-27 41.6001 -70.1296 13922.0 43946.6 S-43 41.4623 -70.0147 13918.3 43873.0 S-12 41.3559 -70.9432 14271.0 43908.3 S-28 41.5833 -70.3733 14012.0 43948.0 S-44 41.3756 -69.9632 13922.8 43836.5 Cape Cod Bay 0-30' May 7-10 41°48.85 -70°05.10 13848.8 / 44003.4 C-17 S-13 41.2921 -70.4021 14093.3 43837.9 S-29 41.5304 -70.3560 14019.5 43926.5 S-45 41.2212 -70.0657 13995.0 43785.1 S-14 41.2741 -70.4486 14113.8 43834.5 S-30 41.4778 -70.2248 13986.8 43895.5 S-46 41.2334 -70.1943 14036.0 43799.0 31'-60' May 7-10 41°48.29 -70°10.93 13885.8 / 44013.4 C-18 S-15 41.2882 -70.7560 14219.0 43864.8 S-31 41.4425 -70.3736 14047.3 43894.4 S-47 41.1990 -70.1326 14023.0 43781.1 S-16 41.3252 -70.5659 14143.0 43864.4 S-32 41.4122 -70.2766 14021.2 43874.7 31'-60' May 14-16 42°00.94 -70°06.83 13802.0 / 44082.0 C-19 61'-90' May 14-16 42°01.42 -70°08.15 13807.0 / 44086.9 C-20 S-2 61'-90' May 7-10, 14-16 41°50.11 -70°13.68 13893.6 / 44028.7 C-21 91'-120' May 14-16 41°54.49 -70°11.97 13863.4 / 44052.0 C-22 S-40 91'-120' May 14-16 42°00.54 -70°11.01 13829.0 / 44086.1 C-23 S-27 B-1 121'-180' May 13-17 42°01.95 -70°19.25 13871.4 / 44107.5 C-24 S-28 121'-180' May 14-16 42°01.01 -70°14.42 13847.0 / 44094.0 C-25 S-26 S-5 181'+ May 13-17 42°05.62 -70°22.05 13870.9 / 44133.9 C-26 S-24 S-23 S-25 S-29 181'+ May 14-17 42°06.59 -70°17.11 13836.5 / 44131.2 C-27 S-6 S-4 181'+ May 13-17 42°04.69 -70°20.10 13863.5 / 44125.0 C-28 S-37 S-33 S-36 S-1 S-8 S-30 S-34S-39 East of Cape Cod 0-30' May 16-19 41°35.74 -69°56.29 13857.3 / 43915.9 B-1 S-43 S-7 0-30' May 15-18 42°05.11 -70°09.14 13795.8 / 44109.9 B-2 S-31 S-35 31'-60' May 15-18 42°05.10 -70°07.09 13784.0 / 44106.5 B-3 S-22 S-3 S-32 31'-60' May 16-19 41°36.79 -69°54.92 13844.8 / 43920.3 B-4 S-21 S-9 S-11 S-20 31'-60' May 16-19 41°39.56 -69°54.45 13830.0 / 43936.8 B-5 S-10 S-44 61'-90' May 16-18 41°50.28 -69°55.16 13784.5 / 44002.1 B-6 S-42 S-12 61'-90' May 15-18 41°57.54 -69°57.57 13764.4 / 44048.2 B-7 S-38 91'-120' May 15-18 42°03.41 -70°01.25 13757.4 / 44087.8 B-8 S-16 91'-120' May 15-18 42°05.87 -70°06.63 13776.9 / 44110.2 B-9 S-19 S-18 S-13 S-41 91'-120' May 16-18 41°49.60 -69°53.29 13777.0 / 43995.3 B-10 S-15 121'-180' May 15-18 42°04.38 -70°01.20 13752.4 / 44093.4 B-11 S-14 121'-180' May 14-17 42°07.17 -70°14.44 13817.2 / 44130.1 B-12 S-17 S-46 121'-180' May 15-18 42°06.59 -70°09.38 13790.0 / 44119.0 B-13 S-45 S-47 20• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

B-12 N-2 Massachusetts Marine Fisheries C-27 B-13 B-9 Spring 2018 Planned Tow Locations C-26

2 0 1 8 Massachusetts Bay to New Hampshire B-3B-2 C-28 B-11 N-5 B-8

N-1 a r c h C-1 C-24 N-4 C-15 N-7 C-20 M C-25 C-19 N-10 C-23

N-3 N-9 C-13

C-12 C-14 B-7 N-8

N-13 N-15 MLA_LABEL LAT LON LORAN_W LORAN_Y N-6 C-1 42.0358 -70.6238 13981.8 44138.8 N-12 C-22 N-14 C-2 41.7494 -70.2806 13935.4 44002.0 C-11 N-11 C-3 41.8489 -70.5169 13993.5 44060.2 C-4 41.7899 -70.2442 13911.5 44013.5 C-5 41.8095 -70.4915 13995.0 44043.3 C-10 C-6 41.7635 -70.3552 13958.2 44014.0 C-7 41.8400 -70.3962 13952.3 44045.8 N-26 C-8 41.8539 -70.3197 13921.0 44043.5 C-8 C-9 41.7890 -70.3661 13955.3 44024.3 C-3 C-10 41.8806 -70.3881 13938.2 44059.7 C-7 B-6 C-11 41.9046 -70.4233 13944.6 44071.5 C-21 N-29 N-27 B-10 MLA_LABEL LAT LON LORAN_W LORAN-Y C-12 41.9637 -70.5053 13958.0 44101.0 N-1 42.7602 -70.7920 13828.5 44401.8 C-13 41.9888 -70.3932 13910.2 44098.8 C-17 N-2 42.8436 -70.8099 13808.1 44429.9 C-14 41.9631 -70.4487 13937.6 44095.4 C-5 C-18 N-3 42.6988 -70.7190 13819.5 44374.1 C-15 42.0289 -70.4037 13902.5 44114.3 N-4 42.7436 -70.7633 13822.5 44393.5 N-31 C-16 41.7875 -70.1267 13871.0 44002.4 C-4 N-5 42.7944 -70.7646 13806.3 44409.4 C-9 C-16 C-17 41.8142 -70.0850 13848.8 44003.4 N-17N-20 N-6 42.6129 -70.6062 13803.2 44334.1 N-22 N-7 42.7377 -70.7378 13814.4 44388.7 C-18 41.8048 -70.1821 13885.8 44013.4 N-8 42.6605 -70.5676 13773.4 44344.9 C-19 42.0156 -70.1138 13802.0 44082.0 C-6 C-20 42.0236 -70.1358 13807.0 44086.9 N-30 N-9 42.7005 -70.6347 13786.0 44365.0 N-10 42.7196 -70.6849 13799.5 44376.6 C-21 41.8352 -70.2280 13893.6 44028.7 C-2 N-11 42.5898 -70.5902 13804.4 44324.3 C-22 41.9081 -70.1995 13863.4 44052.0 N-12 42.6087 -70.5606 13787.2 44327.2 C-23 42.0091 -70.1835 13829.0 44086.1 N-23 N-13 42.6379 -70.5469 13772.5 44335.4 C-24 42.0325 -70.3209 13871.4 44107.5 N-25 N-14 42.6001 -70.5526 13786.7 44323.3 C-25 42.0169 -70.2403 13847.0 44094.0 N-15 42.6291 -70.5098 13761.5 44328.1 C-26 42.0937 -70.3675 13870.9 44133.9 N-16 42.2829 -70.8611 14003.2 44251.5 C-27 42.1098 -70.2851 13836.5 44131.2 N-17 42.4556 -70.9173 13972.3 44317.5 C-28 42.0782 -70.3350 13863.5 44125.0 N-18 42.2875 -70.8583 13999.6 44252.6 B-1 41.5957 -69.9381 13857.3 43915.9 N-19 42.2836 -70.8117 13982.7 44246.3 N-20 42.4521 -70.9059 13969.4 44314.8 B-2 42.0852 -70.1523 13795.8 44109.9 N-28 N-21 42.3110 -70.7983 13968.9 44254.5 B-3 42.0848 -70.1182 13784.0 44106.5 B-5 N-24 B-4 41.6132 -69.9154 13844.8 43920.3 N-21 N-22 42.4490 -70.8778 13958.4 44310.1 S-2 N-23 42.3931 -70.9070 13987.0 44294.5 B-5 41.6594 -69.9075 13830.0 43936.8 N-24 42.3158 -70.7334 13943.4 44244.0 B-6 41.8380 -69.9194 13784.5 44002.1 N-18 N-25 42.3851 -70.8238 13957.3 44282.8 N-16 N-19 B-7 41.9590 -69.9595 13764.4 44048.2 N-26 42.5475 -70.7294 13871.3 44326.5 B-8 42.0569 -70.0208 13757.4 44087.8 Massachusetts Marine Fisheries N-27 42.5113 -70.6802 13863.8 44308.9 B-9 42.0979 -70.1105 13776.9 44110.2 B-4 N-28 42.3255 -70.7052 13929.7 44249.4 B-10 41.8266 -69.8881 13777.0 43995.3 S-40 N-29 42.5150 -70.7171 13876.8 44314.2 Spring 2018 Planned Tow Locations B-11 42.0729 -70.0199 13752.4 44093.4 S-27 B-1 N-30 42.4241 -70.6584 13882.2 44277.5 B-12 42.1195 -70.2407 13817.2 44130.1 Cape Cod Bay and East of Cape Cod N-31 42.4706 -70.6324 13857.9 44289.9 B-13 42.1099 -70.1563 13790.0 44119.0 S-28 M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 21 M h c r a

Cape Seafoods Bait Shop 8 1 0 2 Kicking off the Season!

THE LARGEST BAIT VARIETY IN THE ATLANTIC NORTH EAST Operating for 17 years and still going strong!

Trust Us for Your Fresh, Salted & Frozen Bait Needs From (1) Carton to a Full Truck Load.

Herring, Mackerel, Pogies, Redfish, Rockfish, Tuna, Monkfish, Sardines, Plaice, Squid, Sea Robin, Halibut, & Silversides

We’ve got you covered! Open 12 Months a Year – (Open 7 Days a Week – From Mid – June To Mid-October) Monday-Friday 5AM-3PM - Saturday 6AM-12PM - Sunday 6AM-10AM

Bait Shop – 978.479.4642 If we don’t have it… Ask for it and we’ll find it 22• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m 2 0 1 8 Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, Inc. 8 Otis Place ~ Scituate, MA 02066 a r c h

M Bus. (781) 545-6984 Fax. (781) 545-7837

January 11, 2018

Dr. David Pierce, Director Division of Marine Fisheries 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400 Boston, Massachusetts 02114

RE: Comments opposing the proposed “Pilot Program to Allow Wintertime Sea Scallop Dredging Within the North Shore Year-Round Closure Area North of Boston”

Dear Dr. Pierce, The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) on behalf of its’ 1800 members, submits this letter of comment strongly opposing the proposed “Pilot Program to Allow Wintertime Sea Scallop Dredging Within the North Shore Year-Round Closure Area North of Boston”. Whereas, the historical effort in this area is commercial lobster fishing and given the sheer amount of fixed gear in this area would create considerable gear conflicts and economic hardships on the Commonwealths’ commercial lobstermen.

We are extremely worried given that the timing of the proposed pilot program that would begin this winter. The “2018 the exempted fishery is proposed to occur during the months of February and March. The proposed exempted area (see map) would run from the intersection of the seaward North Shore Mobile Gear Closure boundary and 42° 27.61’ longitude (Point 1); then due west along the parallel to the 70° 50’ meridian just east of the Pig Rocks buoy (Point 2); then in a straight line in a southwesterly direction to where it intersects with the LORAN-C 9960-Y-44270 line, just south east of the Shag Rocks Buoy (Point 3); then along LORAN-C 9960-Y-44270 in a southeasterly direction to where it intersects with the mobile gear closure boundary (Point 4).”

The proposed timing of the pilot program could not be any worse given the timing is in the middle of the February 1st to April 30th MA Restricted Area Closure currently in place. The closure creates areas, such as the proposed pilot program, where more fishermen move into this area to get out of the closed area ultimately creating more gear conflicts.

Established in 1963, the MLA is a member-driven organization that accepts and supports the interdependence of species conservation and the members’ collective economic interests. The MLA continues to work conscientiously through the management process with the MA Division of Marine Fisheries, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries, and the New England Fisheries Management Council to ensure the continued sustainability and profitability of the many resources in which our fishermen depend upon.

1 M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 23 M h c r a

Within the proposed area the scallop economics are uncertain, while the lobstermen’s economic 8 1 0 2 losses have been demonstrated when gear conflicts happen between these two industries, the lobstermen are out hundreds if not thousands of dollars with no recourse when a clam dredge goes through their gear.

Lastly, we are very apprehensive about the impact the scallop dredges will have on the benthic habitat and lobster resource. Should this pilot program be approved and concentrated scallop dredging is realized it will create an immediate and direct negative impact on the habitat and lobsters. Unfortunately, the full impact would not be realized until after the damage is done leaving the lobstermen holding an empty trap.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please call me with any questions you may have.

Kind regards, Beth Casoni Executive Director cc. Secretary EEA, Matt Beaton & MLA Ex. Board

LONG-LASTING, AFFORDABLE LOBSTER BAIT!

All Natural Salted Hairless Cowhide www.bessybait.com Available in 30 gal. barrels and 5 gal. pails CALL: 603.300.2846 or 603.300.2849 EMAIL: [email protected] FOR SALE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY AT 155 Batchelder Rd., Seabrook, NH 03874

2 24• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

2 0 1 8 MASSIVEMASSIVE TORQUETORQUE -- SIMPLESIMPLE HOOKUPHOOKUP a r c h

M … AND GOOD-LOOKING IN RED, TOO!

The QSL9 has all the the features that Cummins owners have come to appreciate: 405 HP at a slow-turning 2100 RPM; quiet performance and excellent acceleration; superb fuel economy; and

clean emissions. And now And now we've made hookup even the QSL9 is available in simpler with our streamlined ALSO AVAILABLE: harness/panel package. Your installer's QSB & QSC PACKAGES RED - what a beauty! going to love this - and you will, too!

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CUMMINS DEALER OR DISTRIBUTOR FOR COMPLETE DETAILS! Cummins Sales & Service

470 Riverside Street 100 Allied Drive Portland, ME 04103 Dedham (Boston), MA 02026 Contact Steve Nadeau Contact Will Collins (207) 510-2247 (781) 801-1772 [email protected] [email protected] R

AND A WIDE NETWORK OF MARINE ENGINE DEALERS THROUGHOUT NEW ENGLAND

Billings Diesel and Marine Dion Yacht Yard Moose Island Rd 23 Glendale Street James Rich Boat Yard Merri-Mar Yacht Basin Stonington, ME 04681 Salem, MA 01970-05401 1 Jasper’s Way 264 Merrimac Street (207) 367-2328 (978) 744-0844 Southwest Harbor, ME 04612 Newburyport, MA 01950 (207) 244-3208 (978) 465-3022 Boothbay Region Boatyard Great Island Boat Yard 100 Ebenecook Rd 419 Harpswell Island Rd Journey’s End Marina Niemiec Marine Southport, ME 04576 Harpswell ,ME 04079 120 Tillson Ave. 173 Pope Island (207) 633-2970 207-729-1639 R Rockland, ME 04841 New Bedford, MA 02740

(207) 594-4444 (508) 997-7390 Brewers’ Plymouth Marine Great Bay Marine 14 Union Street 61 Beane Ln Plymouth, MA 02360 Newington, NH 03801 Kennedy Marine Point Judith Marina (508) 746-4500 603-436-5299 Engineering & Fabrication 360 Gooseberry Road Route 1 Box 917 Wakefield, RI 02880 Brewer Greenwich Bay Gorham’s Diesel Repair, Inc. Is your generator tired? Steuben, ME 04680 (401) 789-7189 100 Folly Landing 141 Howard Street Rear (207) 546-7139 Warwick, RI 02886 Braintree, MA 02184 Ask us about Rhode Island (401) 884-0544 (781) 843-0816 Kingman Yacht Center Engine Co., Inc. 1 Shipyard Lane 79 State Street, Box 543 Bristol Marine Hinckley Yacht Services Cataumet, MA 02534 Narragansett, RI 02882 99 Poppasquash Road 1 Little Harbor Landing (508) 563-7136 (401) 789-1021 Bristol, RI 02809 Portsmouth, RI 02184 (401) 253-2200 (401) 683-7100 MacDougall’s Cape Cod Russ Marine Service Marine Service 20 Wallis Street Cape Cod Marine, Inc. Hinckley Yacht Services Hyannis Marina 145 Falmouth Heights Road Peabody, MA 01960 300 Great Western Road 130 Shore Rd 21 Arlington Street Falmouth, MA 02540 (978) 532-3373 S. Dennis, MA 02660 Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 548-3146 (508) 432-4241 (207) 244-5572 (508) 775-5662

M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 25 M h c r a HYDRO-SLAVE

New England Marine SAME DAY SERVICE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT 8 1 0 2

Engineering & Supply, Inc. “THINKING OF BUILDING A NEW BOAT?” Marine • Industrial • Commercial • Refrigeration LET US QUOTE YOU ON A POWER STEERING OR A POT HAULER. HAULERS AVAILABLE 8” TO 17” • ALUMINUM BACKPLATE • POLISHED STAINLESS BACKPLATE • ALL STAINLESS HARDWARE

POWER STEERING AVAILABLE IN 5 CLASSES • UP TO 120 FEET • STAINLESS QUADRANT ASSEMBLIES • STAINLESS HELMS

16” SPOKED WHEEL • BRONZE DUAL RAM • CHROME QUADRANT ASSEMBLY

ELECTRIC CLUTCHES HIGH EFFICIENCY VANE PUMP $544.70 • 100% Stainless Steel construction • Rudder side thrust eliminated • no stress on boat timbers

5.5 HP HONDA POWER UNIT OUR NEW GENERATION SUPER BLOCKS "New England Marine Engineering & Supply, Inc & Integrated Marine • 11GPM @ 1500 PSI 2 Stage Pump • 4” Low LIP and HI LIP • Light, Versatile and Portable • 5” Low LIP and HI LIP Systems, Inc is proud to announce & debut the new IMS 10 Ton Titanium • This unit will power 10” • 2000 lb. Capacity and 12” and 14” Haulers • Sealed tapered • Ideal for outboards and roller bearings Electric RSW at the 2018 Seafood Processing North America Show on March other small boats • Aluminum Sheaves 11-13 Booth 1875. Come see us and be the first to view the latest IMS system • Log Splitter • Stainless Sheaves to be introduced to the industry for the fishing vessels ranging from 40' - 80'. WORLD’S LARGEST POT HAULER MFG. FOR OVER 40 YEARS It's going to be the talk of the show." Call John for more information 1-800-747-7550 • Or visit us on the internet: http://www.midcoast.com/~marinhyd/ 133 North Front Street, New Bedford, MA. 02740 MARINE HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING 17 Gordon Drive • Rockland, Maine • Fax: 207-594-9721 www.nemesinc.com 1.800.540.8893 Email: [email protected] 26• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

2 0 1 8 FISHING PARTNERSHIP

a r c h SUPPORT SERVICES M

We will be multiple trainings this season. Safety and Survival training is a full day training for commercial fishermen. Drill Conductor training is a full day training for those who have completed our Safety and Survival training and want to conduct required monthly drills on their own fishing vessels. We also offer First Aid/CPR Training valid for 2 years.

UPCOMING TRAININGS

February 12 –Fishing Vessel Stability* March 22 – Safety and Survival April 20 – Drill Conductor Training New Bedford, MA Training Vinalhaven, ME Menemsha, MA February 26 – First Aid/CPR Training May 2 – Safety and Survival Training Plymouth, MA March 23 – Drill Conductor Training New Castle, NH Menemsha, MA March 8 – Safety and Survival May 3 – Drill Conductor Training Training April 4 – Safety and Survival Training New Castle, NH New Bedford, MA Montauk, NY May 3 – Safety and Survival Training March 9 – Drill Conductor Training April 5 – Drill Conductor Training Gloucester, MA New Bedford, MA Montauk, NY May 4 – Drill Conductor Training March 12 –First Aid/CPR Training April 5 – Safety and Survival Training Gloucester, MA Tisbury, MA Shinnecock, NY May 10 – Safety and Survival Training March 22 – Safety and Survival April 6 – Drill Conductor Training Groton, CT Training Shinnecock, NY Marshfield, MA May 11 – Drill Conductor Training April 19 – Safety and Survival Groton, CT March 23 – Drill Conductor Training Training Marshfield, MA Vinalhaven, ME

*This workshop provides practical information and hands on training on vessel stability and emergency responses to flooding problems.

For information or to register for a training, contact a Navigator in your area. Open enrollment ends January 23, 2018. Contact a Fishing Partnership Navigator for assistance with Lori, South Shore (781) 635-0011 health insurance coverage, understanding your insurance benefits, or finding a doctor. Morgan & Shannon, Cape Cod (508) 237-9402

Nina, Gloucester/NH/ME (978) 282-4847 In association with Massachusetts Deb, New Bedford/NY (508) 991-3043 Fishermen’s Partnership

or visit our website at www.fishingpartnership.org

M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 27 M h c r a Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, Inc.

8 Otis Place ~ Scituate, MA 02066 8 1 0 2 Bus. (781) 545-6984 Fax. (781) 545-7837

January 25, 2018

Ms. Kelly Hammerle, Chief, National Oil and Gas Leasing Program Development and Coordination Branch, Leasing Division Office of Strategic Resources Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (VAM-LD) 45600 Woodland Road Sterling, VA 20166-9216

RE: Comments for the 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program

Dear Ms. Hammerle,

The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) again, submits comments on behalf of our 1800 members strongly opposing the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) BOEM 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program. We are greatly concerned for the commercial fishing industry and the healthy ecosystem in which they depend upon should any oil and gas exploration be allowed.

Established in 1963, the MLA is a member-driven organization that accepts and supports the interdependence of species conservation and the members’ collective economic interests. With over 1800 members comprised of fishermen from Maryland to Canada and encompass a wide variety of gear types from fixed gear to mobile gear alike. We are extremely concerned about the negative economic and ecological impacts and oil and gas exploration will have on the commercial fishing industry as well as the shoreside businesses such as marinas, seafood dealers and processors and fuel companies to name a few.

While the MLA continues to work conscientiously through the management process with the Division of Marine Fisheries, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission as well as the New England Fisheries Management Council to ensure the continued sustainability and profitability of the resources in which our fishermen are engaged in. The MLA is also actively involved in the Northeast Regional Ocean Council, the Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management and MA Ocean Planning Commission to ensure the recommendations and concerns of the commercial fishermen are vetted and implemented.

As stated by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey “The Massachusetts commercial fishing industry generated $7.3 billion in seafood sales in 2015. The state’s maritime economy employed 90,500 workers, paid $3.9 billion in wages, generated more than $9.8 billion in sales, and contributed $6.4 billion to the gross state product. More than 41,000 businesses and 500,000 commercial fishing families along the Atlantic coast oppose offshore oil and gas drilling because of the harm it poses to the coastal ecosystem.” We can not allow the economically and sustainably viable iconic commercial fishing industry to be diminished or placed in harms way with ANY exploration for oil and gas.

Moreover, we are alarmed and frustrated with the increase in projects that our oceans are besieged with from electric cables out of Canada, offshore wind in the Southern New England, offshore aquaculture all have of which will have a direct and unknown impact on the ecosystem. When the commercial fishing industry is told they can not fish somewhere because of a protected species or a coral and now the government is considering allowing the exploration for oil and gas in the Atlantic is completely counter productive why these areas are being protected.

In closing, the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association is hopeful that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will make the right judgment to not allow the exploration for oil and gas or grant ANY lease in the Atlantic Ocean, allowing the commercial fishermen here in the Northeast to keep working without any further duress, supplying clean and local protein to the American people. Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments on this most sensitive matter.

Thank you, Beth Casoni Executive Director 28• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m 2 0 1 8 a r c h M M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 29 M h c r a 8 1 0 2 30• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m MLA’s ANNUAL 2 0WEEKEND 1 8 AND

a r cTRADE h SHOW 2018 M The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association celebrated the 55th organizational Annual Weekend and Trade Show on January 19-21 2018 with another successful event. This year’s event was again held at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis.

The exhibit hall was full of all types of vendors and all the seminars were all well attended. We want to thank all of our longtime vendors and all the new vendors for your continued support and donations because without In Memorial you the show would not be.

This year the “Super Silent” auction event on Saturday BETTY DAVIS KNOTT afternoon was big and very successful. It encompassed something for everyone and not just fishing equipment. Betty Davis Beloved wife of James M. It was a very busy affair and there was a lot of Knott Sr., died peacefully at her home competition for hot items such as the pile of lobster on February 11, 2018 surrounded by her wire mesh, the plane tickets to Nantucket and the devoted family and caregivers. She is “lobster necklace”. survived by her children Janet L. Knott, President Sawyer then Andrew M. Knott and wife Jayne (Fifield) There were many other festivities during the weekend thanked everyone who Knott, James M. Knott Jr. and wife Gigi that also included, the no sew fleece blanket craft, attended and supported the (Gao) Knott, Edward Jeffrey Knott and wife Casino night and of course the “infamous” hospitality Association throughout Barbara (Glunn) Knott and grandchildren room. Oh, was that popular! the year as well as at the Jennie L. Knott and partner Philipp Bolt, Annual Weekend and Trade Andrew M. Knott Jr. and wife Angela Show. He again thanked (Jenkins) Knott, Nancy D. Knott and fiancé the loyal exhibitors and all Matthew J. Crescio and Elissa E. Knott. who donated to our auction Betty was a graduate of Brookline High and our prizes. Speaking School and the Fisher School in Boston. of prizes, there were many She met Jim in 1947 at a Rockport Art drawings of which many Association dance on July 4th. And the two prizes were good old cash were soon inseparable. After they married, $$$. Congratulations to the young couple moved to Wellesley all the winners. to raise their family. They later moved to Northbridge to start Riverdale Mills We also want to thank our dedicated Annual Weekend Corporation and spent their summers in Committee for all their hard work and months of Gloucester. planning; Rich Cassola, Willie Ogg, Dave Casoni, Bill & Cheryl Souza, Steve Holler, Peter Frederickson, Jeff An accomplished woman with many Bartlett, Alicia Bartlett, Tracey Abboud, Nancy Reid, interests, Betty was happiest cooking dinner Sooky Sawyer, Bill Lister and Beth Casoni. Most for her family, balancing the books for Riverdale Mills, organizing the Wellesley On Saturday night, of all we want to thank our MLA staff and crew that Republican Town Committee, planning following a delicious actually made all this happen. We thank you for all events with the Wellesley Garden Club, and banquet dinner, the your hard work. Our contributing to her many interests in the MLA awards were special thanks go to Beth Cape Ann Community. Her Episcopalian presented by MLA Casoni, Nancy Reid, faith was practiced daily. “Do unto others President, Arthur Tracey Abboud, Elaine as you would have them do unto you” “Sooky Sawyer. Kracov, Wendy Moran, was one of her many reminders of how to This year awards Ally Burton, Bill Lister, live gracefully in the world. Her passion were given to Dave Casoni, Julia for history, interior and landscape design Secretary of Energy Logan, Rhiannon Burton, reflected her artistic flair grounded in New and Environmental Cheryl Souza, Caleb England tradition. On Friday afternoons she Affairs Matt Beaton, Kapp, Bill Souza, Willy could often be seen enjoying the Boston DMF Director David Ogg, Alex Brown, Bill Symphony. Betty was a loving, strong Pierce, Executive Doherty, Steve Holler, matriarch and cherished friend, she will be Committee members Peter Frederickson and dearly missed by many. Bill Souza, Steve Rich Cassola. Thank you Holler and Jarrett Drake, and life long member Jay all for your support and Michaud. Everyone that was given an award has wonderful work that made been dedicated to keeping the ecosystem and resource this all come together. healthy as well as the betterment of the MLA and the Job well done! commercial lobster industry. M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 31 M h c r a

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 8 1 0 2 Division of Marine Fisheries Commonwealth of Ma251ssac hCausewayusetts Street, Suite 400 Division of Marine FisheriesBoston, Massachusetts 02114 David E. Pierce, PhD251 Causeway Street, Suite 400 (617)626-1520 Director Boston, Massachusetts 02114 fax (617)626-1509 Charles D. Baker Governor David E. Pierce, PhD (617)626-1520 Karyn E. Polito Director fax (617)626-1509 Charles D. Baker Lieutenant Governor Governor Matthew A. Beaton Karyn E. Polito Secretary FebruaryLieutenant 9, Governor 2018 Ronald S. Amidon Matthew A. Beaton Commissioner Secretary February 9, 2018 Public Hearing Notice Mary-Lee King Ronald S. Amidon Deputy Commissioner 2018 Fishing LimitCommissioner Adjustments Public Hearing Notice Mary-Lee King Under the provisions2018 Fishing Limit of M.G.L.Adjustments c. 30A and pursuantDeputy toCommissioner the authority found at M.G.L. c. 130 §§ 2, 17A and 104, the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is proposing draft regulatory amendments to 322 CMR Under the provisions§6.00. of M.G.L. The c. 30Adraft and pursuantregulatory to the authority proposals found at M.G.L.are enumerated c. 130 §§ 2, 17A below. Additionalii. Set-Aside: Cap information, the seasonal harvest including at a total of 75,000 draftpounds. Once the cap is reached the retention of sea bass would be prohibited until the directed fishery opens. and 104, the Divisionregulations of Marine Fisheries may(DMF) be foundis proposing ondraft DMF’s regulatory website amendments. to 322 CMR §6.00. The draft regulatory proposals are enumerated below. Additional information, including draft 4. Commercial Scup Fishery (322 CMR 6.27). To comply with the federal and interstate fishery regulations may be1. foundRecreational on DMF’s website. Tautog Limits (322 CMR 6.40). Followingmanagement the ASMFC’splans: approval of Amendment 1 a. Commercial Scup Seasons. Extend the federally managed Winter II Period (currently November to the Tautog FMP, DMF is moving to establish new recreational– December) tolimits include October.for 2018 This requires(see reducingtable). the These state-managed summer period 1. Recreational Tautogproposed Limits (322 CMRlimits 6.40). willFollowing ensure the ASMFC’s state rules approvalcomply of Amendment with 1 the FMP(currently. The May limits – October) are to end identical after September. to what has been to the Tautog FMP,proposed DMF is moving for to e stablishRhode new Island, recreational except limits for 2018that(see Massachusetts table). These willb. Commercial allow 1Scup-fish Limits during. Adopt a 200the pound summer scup limit months,for trawlers fishing with net mesh openings less than 5” during the period of May 1 – September 30. proposed limits willrather ensure state than rules zerocomply retention. with the FMP. The limits are identical to what has been proposed for Rhode Island, except that Massachusetts will allow 1-fish during the summer months, 5. Surf Clam Dredge Closure off Plymouth and Dredge Bar Spacing (322 CMR 6.08). rather than zero retention. a. Permanently close a discrete area off Ellisville Beach to the use of surf clam dredges from May 1 Season Bag Limit – OctoberMinimum 31. This area was Size closed by emergency action in 2017. Season JanuaryBag Limit 1 – MarchMinimum 31 Size 0-fish b. EstablishN/A a 2” bar spacing requirement for surf clam dredges to reduce the potential harvest of sub-legal sized surf clams. January 1 – March 31 April0-fish 1 – MayN/A 31 3-fish 16” April 1 – May 31 June3-fish 1 – July 3116” 1-fish 6. Commercial16” Menhaden Bycatch Limits (322 CMR 6.43). Clarify that the 1,000 pound bycatch June 1 – July 31 August1-fish 1 – October16” 14 3-fish allowance allowed16” after the commercial quota is taken does not apply to large purse seine vessels. August 1 – October 14 October3-fish 15 – December16” 31 5-fish 7. Use of Bleach16” in Shellfish Fisheries (322 CMR 6.20). Prohibit the possession and use of bleach October 15 – December 31* There5-fish will be 16”a 10-fish maximum vessel limitwhen for fishingprivate for razor anglersclams and during soft-shelled all clams. * There will be a 10-fish maximumperiods vessel whenlimit for privatethe fishery anglers during is allopen periods when the fishery is open Public Hearing Schedule The Division of Marine Fisheries has scheduled two public hearings to take comment on these proposals. 2. Closing Commercial Striped Bass Fishery on Summer Holidays (322 TheCMR public 6.07).hearings willTo be preventheld on: 2. Closing Commercialuser Striped group Bass Fishery conflicts on Summer around Holidays holiday (322 CMR weekends, 6.07). To preventprohibit commercial striped bass fishing between July user group conflicts3 around – July holiday 5 weekends,and on prohibitLabor commercial Day. striped bass fishing between July 10AM 6PM 3 – July 5 and on Labor Day. March 05, 2018 March 05, 2018 Katherine Cornell Theater Admiral’s Hall 3. Commercial Black Sea Bass Limits (322 CMR 6.28). Tisbury Town Hall MA Maritime Academy 3. Commercial Black Seaa. Bass Number Limits (322 and CMR Sequence 6.28). of Commercial Fishing Days: 54 Spring Street 101 Academy Drive a. Number and Sequence of Commerciali. Maintain Fishing currentDays: three open fishing days per week inVineyard the directed Haven, MA black sea bass fisheryBuzzards, but Bay, MA i. Maintain current three openadjust fishing daysthe peropen week indays the directed so that black they sea bass are fishery non-, but sequential. Potential open fishing days would be adjust the open days so thatSundays, they are non- Tuesdayssequential. Potential and open Thursdays fishing days wouldor Sundays, be Tuesdays and FridaysPublic .Comment Instructions The Division of Marine Fisheries will also accept public comment through 5PM on Thursday, March 8, Sundays, Tuesdays andii. ThursdaysReduceor Sundays, the number Tuesdays andof Fridaysopen. fishing days in a week in the directed black sea bass fishery to ii. Reduce the number of open fishing days in a week in the directed black sea bass fishery to 2018. Please address all written comments to Director Pierce and submit to DMF by e-mail at two days. Potential open fishing days would [email protected] Sundays and Wednesdaysor by post to 251 Causewayor Tuesdays Street, Suite and400, Boston, MA 02114. two days. Potential open fishing days would be Sundays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Fridays. Fridays. b. Trip Limits: If theb.re isTrip a reduction Limits to the: number If the of reopen is fishing a reduction days in the directed to the black number sea of open fishing days in the directed black sea bass fishery, then a commensuratebass fishery, increase thenin the daily a commensurate trip limits may be considered increase: in the daily trip limits may be considered: i. Sea Bass Pot: Trip limitsi. couldSea beBass increased Pot from: Trip 300 pounds limits up to could 400 pounds; be andincreased from 300 pounds up to 400 pounds; and ii. Other Gears: Trip limitsii. couldOther be increased Gears from: Trip 150 pounds limits up tocould 200 pounds. be increased from 150 pounds up to 200 pounds. c. Squid Trawl Fisheryc. LimitsSquid and TrawlSet Aside :FisheryFrom April 2Limits3 – June 9, andallow vesselsSet Aside participating: From in April 23 – June 9, allow vessels participating in the small mesh trawl fisherythe small for squid mesh to retain trawla bycatch fishery of black sea for bass .squid to retain a bycatch of black sea bass. i. Trip Limit: Establish i.a trip Trip limit ofLimit 50 pounds: Establish per day during a this trip season. limit of 50 pounds per day during this season. 32• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

Serving the Fishing Community Since 1977 2 0 1 8

a r c h Neptune Inc.

M 39 Slater Street Attleboro, MA. 02703 Phone: (508) 222‐8313 E‐Mail: [email protected] The #1 Buoy Sticks & Flags 4' Foot Buoy Sticks Box of 50 pcs…………$3.35 each Look For Neptune Products Where People Know The Best

Stick Colors Available: Red , Orange , Green , Blue , Yellow , Purple , White and Black

Flag Pricing Mesh Flag Colors Available 8" x 11" Rectangular Flags Design For With 3 Brass Grommets High Wind Areas Package of 10 Flags…...$14.00 Orange

Yellow Flag Pricing Mesh Design For 12" x 13" Rectangular Flags Black With 4 Brass Grommets High Wind Areas Package of 10 Flags…...$17.50 Green

Flag Pricing Mesh Blue 16" x 16" Rectangular Flags Design For High Wind With 4 Brass Grommets Red Areas Package of 10 Flags……$28.00 White M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 33 M h c r a 8 1 0 2

Continued from page 2 The objectives of the workshop was to fishing grounds all of which seemed extremely In the end, the idea of a truly rope-less fish- (1) discuss the need for and approach to unsafe for the crew and cost prohibitive. ery was discussed while many questions went implementing rope-less fishing to reduce unanswered leaving the industry thinking; No entanglements of large whales in trap/pot While the pop up buoys appeared to be di- endlines and No goundlines….. all single pots fisheries, (2) discuss and develop regulatory rected at the inshore fleets as the devices were with pop ups = rope-less fishing? Stay tuned! pathways to make rope-less fishing legal in smaller and more nibble. There were a cou- the United States and Canada, and (3) discuss ple of technologies on hand to look at which In the end, the idea of a truly rope-less fishery strategies to fund two phases of development: used an acoustic trigger for releasing a buoy was discussed while many questions went demonstration/evaluation and experimental attached to submerged pots that would then unanswered leaving the industry thinking; No fisheries. The workshop format consisted of float to the surface for gear retrieval. endlines and No goundlines….. all single pots presentations followed by facilitated discussion with pop ups = rope-less fishing? Stay tuned! on the urgent need for rope-less fishing The lobster industry representatives’ all ex- techniques, the current state of development pressed concerns on these technologies from; of rope-less fishing, technical development safety, cost, the lack of deck space, defective plans, regulatory challenges and solutions, technology, increase in marine debris, gear and the funding landscape. conflicts and many more. There was also some interest in an experimental fishery in the MA The Rope-less fishing was clearly directed at Restricted Area which is currently closed for the offshore fleet given the size of the spool and the whales’ protection. What better place to weight needed to anchor it to the bottom. This test the effectiveness of these technologies, device was like a spool of thread only a million who knows this, could be the answer to many times larger and heavier that would need to be fishermen currently out of business in the spooled on land, loaded and transported to the name of conservation? 34• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m The Northeast Center for 2 0 1 8 Occupational Health and Safety Update:

a r c h Life jacket/PFD Project with Commercial Lobstermen in Maine and Massachusetts M

This has been a very busy and exciting year. An • Manufacturers have received design feed- systems, and overview of the project so far: back and have indicated they are already increasing access to a • 181 lobstermen from Maine and Massachu- changing designs and creating new design range of life jackets at events, and dockside. setts agreed to trial life jackets while work- plans to respond to the needs identified. ing, and to provide feedback on comfort and We hope this project will ultimately increase your workability. Lobstermen have indicated that a life jacket should be: ability to find something that you are comfortable • Comfortable, flat/not bulky, with no straps wearing while working, and increase your chances of • Life jackets in the study were a diverse range or buckles to snag, easy to clean, easy to survival at sea. of styles and types, from buoyancy aids to use, bright in color, and for many – integrat- offshore life jackets. Lobstermen chose nine ed into something already worn. Thank you to everyone who has helped us with this different models to be tested. project! We look forward to working with you further. We anticipated that one or two life jacket designs Sincerely, • Participation in the study has been extraordi- would be considerably more popular and address nary, with a recruitment rate of 90.5% and a most of the barriers to regular use. Instead, we found Julie Sorensen, Rebecca Weil, Jessica Echard and the study completion rate of 88.4%. that personal choice featured strongly in the results. life jacket team While the ratings of all nine life jackets were generally • An additional 262 lobstermen participated in favorable, what is clearly most important is finding a telephone survey, and 205 (77.5%) indicat- what you can, and will, wear comfortably while ed that yes, they would like new types of life working. The best life jacket is a life jacket that you jackets. will wear consistently. • 530 lobstermen have shared their challenges Over this coming year, we will be sharing information and solutions to wearing life jackets since the with lobstermen about life jackets and survival project began. M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 35 M h c r a 8 1 0 2 WE DELIVER FRESH LOBSTER BAIT

INCLUDING:

HERRING

POGIES

MACKEREL

RED FISH

SKINS

BLUEFISH

CHUM

SALMON HEADS

FRESH, SALTED, AND QUICK FROZEN BAIT Barrel Head Bait WE SELL SALT! For More Information: To Place An Order:

Mark Flight The Bait Line: [email protected] 857-200-2129

Or Fax: 617-561-8471 36• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

2 0 1 8 ® a r c h

M AQUAMESH _ GET CONNECTED _

Aquamesh® connected panels come as one panel with 2, 3 or 4 individual Aquamesh® panels joined together. They are a convenient and economical alternative to purchasing rolls. In addition, connected panels have a lower cost compared to single panels.

“For the last few months I have been building traps with Aquamesh® connected panels. The connected panels were less labor intensive; easy to handle, store and shear, allowing me to construct more traps in less time with no wasted wire.” – Joe Savoie, Owner SS Fish & Sales

Contact us today for a complete list of Aquamesh® connected panel sizes and pricing.

1.800.762.6374 . 1.508.234.8400 . [email protected] . www.riverdale.com M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 37 M h c r a Did you U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey

Holds Offshore Drilling Hearing 8 1 0 2

On February 26, 2018 MLA’s Executive Director was invited to give comment during Know Senator Markey’s hearing held at the New England Aquarium 1966 1803 on the Presidential First man-made object Ohio becomes the 17th state. Ohio initiative that would to strike another is Iroquois for “fine river.” open up lease areas planet Soviet Venera 3 lands up and down the East on Venus. It had been launched in Coast on the Outer November. 1790 Continental Shelf. First U.S. Census Congress The hearing was a authorizes the counting of U.S. panel format with 1954 inhabitants. It was completed in representatives from First hydrogen bomb August, showing a population of 3.9 the tourism industry, fishing industry, academia, and conservation, recreational fatality A U.S. H-bomb test million. and scientific community all of whom collectively agree that this is unacceptable. exposes a Japanese fisherman to Collectively each representative passionately explained to the Senator why this was fallout. He died the following unacceptable and together we need to continue to stand together to stop this initiative. September. 1788 In the end, Senator Markey reassured everyone that he would commit all his resources The U.S. State of to work on this issue and that he heard the loud and clear message from everyone that Franklin The U.S. state ceases this initiative is unacceptable. Inclosing, Senator Markey thanked everyone for doing 1936 to exist. It had been created in 1784 what we all do and indicate that this was going to be an uphill battle given the current when East Tennessee declared itself Construction of Hoover political climate and together need to keep on top of this. Dam completed. an independent state. However, Congress denied its legitimacy. 1875 Civil Rights Act passed by 1781 Congress, decreed the privilege American of equal rights and enjoyment in Revolution Ratification of the places of public amusement without “Articles of Confederation and distinction of color. Perpetual Union” by the states is completed. 1872 First national 1780 park Yellowstone is established by Slavery Act of the Pennsylvania Congress. legislature provided for the gradual emancipation of slaves. 1867 Nebraska becomes the 37th 1778 state. First execution of woman by American courts Joshua Spooner is murdered by three men in Massachusetts. His wife, Bathsheba, 1845 was hanged the following July for Lone Star State President Tyler her part in the conspiracy. signs a resolution annexing Texas. 1815 100 Days War The war begins when Napoleon returns to France from exile. Wellington takes command of the allied army in Belgium. 38• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

2 0 1 8 Atlantic States Marine

a r c h Fisheries Commission

M

NEWS RELEASE Vision: Sustainably Managing Atlantic Coastal Fisheries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Tina Berger January 30, 2018 703.842.0740

ASMFC Begins Preparations for American Lobster Benchmark Stock Assessment

Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries American Commission has initiated a benchmark stock assessment for American lobster (Homarus

americanus) to be completed in the summer of lobster 2020. The goals of the assessment are to evaluate

©

the health of stocks along the U.S. Atlantic coast Ashton and inform management of this species. The Commission’s stock assessment process and

meetings are open to the public, with the exception Har p of discussions of confidential data, when the public will be asked to leave the room.

The Commission welcomes the submission of data sources that will contribute to the goals of the assessment. This includes, but is not limited to, data on abundance (young‐of‐the‐year, recruits, full recruits), biological samples (sex, maturity, weight, carapace length), life history information (growth, natural mortality, mating, shell disease), stock connectivity (tagging data), catch (harvest, fishing effort) and information regarding the environmental influence on lobster life history. For data sets to be considered, the data must be sent in the required format, with accompanying description of methods, to the Commission by April 13, 2018.

The Data Workshop will be conducted May 14‐17, 2018 at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography, 218 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02874. This workshop will review available data sources for American lobster and identify datasets to be incorporated in the stock assessment.

For those interested in submitting data and/or attending the American Lobster Data Workshop (space is limited), please contact Jeff Kipp, Senior Stock Assessment Scientist, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.

pr18‐02

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission was formed by the 15 Atlantic coastal states in 1942 for the promotion and protection of coastal fishery resources. The Commission serves as a deliberative body of the Atlantic coastal states, coordinating the conservation and management of nearshore fishery resources, including marine, shell and diadromous species.

1050 N. Highland Street • Suite 200A‐N • Arlington, VA 22201 703.842.0740 (phone) 703.842.0741 (fax) www.asmfc.org M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 39 M h c r a 8 1 0 2

It takes a TEAM with years of DEDICATION and EXPERIENCE to build your traps

Chetty – 33 years

“Friendship Trap made me who I am, really. Yeah, I did the fishing, but if you ain’t got Danni – the right stuff to work with, 11 years you’re wasting your time!” - Cory Alley, Isleford, ME

Dear MLA Members,

$199.00 plus FREE SHIPPING

ON A WIRELESS MOTOR SHUTOFF OR SCREAMER WIRELESS ALARM SYSTEM by AUTOTETHER Mike –

Beth Casoni knowing the dangers that lobstermen face daily and presented with the benefits of 36 years convenience and safety of these Autotether products, believes all members should have one.

As a result, we are offering this special deal to MLA Members only!

Stop the boat and save yourself!! System shuts off the Sally – boats motor if you fall overboard. Universal system applicable to any boat or motor (gas and diesel). 7 years Compact & easy to install. Gives the convenience for Shirley – the operator to move about their boat and still be protected. For boats with crews, the Screamer 11 years Wireless Alarm System is for you. Every lobstermen needs this safety system! There’s a good reason people trust their traps to these EXPERTS!

Here to serve you!

Jerry Wadsworth (207) 542-0842 [email protected] Perfect gift for the lobstermen in your life!! Jimmy Emerson (207) 483-6555 [email protected] To order, have your MLA member # ready and Mike Wadsworth (207) 542-0841 [email protected] call Ed Betancourt – 860‐568‐5415 or the MLA (781) 545‐6984.

Boat Safer, Boat Smarter!! Friendship Office: (800) 451-1200; (207) 354-2545 Columbia Falls Office: (800) 339-6558 www.autotether.com Visit our website: www.friendshiptrap.com 40• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

2 0 1 8 New England Marine & Industrial a r c h www.newenglandmarine.com M Lobster Bands We carry: Printed and Non Printed Sheddar Standard Cold Water Shedder Jumbo

Buy them by the 1 pound bag, by the case or by the pallet. We also offer wholesale and volume discounts. Call and ask to speak to a salesman.

Spongex Buoys

Full selection of sizes in Stock

Worcester Cow Hide Bait Dayglo & We carry Regular and Hairless Bait Flexabar Call for Special Pricing on both 5 pail purchases and pallet (20 pails) purchases Buoy Paint “One week notice needed on pallet purchases”

200 Spaulding Tpke 294 Ocean St 86 Cemetary Rd Portsmouth, NH Brant Rock, MA Stonington, ME 603-436-2836 781-834-9301 207-367-2692 M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 41 M h c r a

Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, Inc. 8 1 0 2 8 Otis Place ~ Scituate, MA 02066 Bus. (781) 545-6984 Fax. (781) 545-7837

January 29, 2018

Secretary Matthew A. Beaton Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Attn: MEPA Office 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114

RE: Vineyard Wind Connector Environmental Notification Form

The 1800 member Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) submits the following comments with great concern to you regarding the recent filing of the Vineyard Wind Connector Environmental Notification Form dated December 15, 2017. The MLA represents commercial fishermen that are productively fishing in Lobster Management Area 2 (LMA2) and Lobster Management Area 3 (LMA3) where this proposed Vineyard Wind LLC; approximately 800-megawatt (MW), offshore wind project offshore wind project is permitted.

The MLA is alarmed at the lack of studies that have been done or not done on the negative impacts to the lobster, conch and crab resources (Resources). Collectively these are some of the primary species that are currently being harvested by our members currently in LMA 2 and LMA 3. The MLA continually asks for more studies to be done on several areas of concern such as; Electromagnetic Fields (EMF), pile driving, jet plowing and the overall impacts a large scale offshore wind project will have on the entire ecosystem before a scoop of sand is moved. Established in 1963, the MLA is a member-driven organization that accepts and supports the interdependence of species conservation and the members’ collective economic interests. The MLA continues to work conscientiously with the Lobster Foundation of Massachusetts, MA Division of Marine Fisheries, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries, and the New England Fisheries Management Council to ensure the continued sustainability and profitability of the many resources in which our fishermen depend upon.

While there have been some studies on EMF, nothing compares to the magnitude this project will produce and what the impacts will be on all sea life. The MLA is extremely concerned about any negative impact to the resources from the electromagnetic fields and jet plowing the proposed “Vineyard Wind LLC is permitting an up to approximately 800-megawatt (MW) offshore wind project in federal waters in prime fishing grounds currently being fished by a multitude of fisheries.”

Lastly, the MLA is further worried given the uncertainty and indefinite impacts to the ALL the commercial viable resources our commercial fishermen depended upon given the proposed scale of this offshore wind farm and the unknown impacts to the ecosystem an approximately 800-megawatt wind farm will have not just on the economically viable resource in the ocean but all marine life. Our fear is that once these large scale wind farms are realized and constructed it will be too late to undue the negative impacts to the ecosystem and will cause economic demise to the commercial fishing fleet in Southern New England. Thank you for your thoughtful and deliberate consideration on this most sensitive matter. We are hopeful the Commonwealth will too ask for a complete evaluation on the impacts to the habitat and resources our commercial fishermen rely on being healthy. Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have.

Thank you, Beth Casoni Executive Director 42• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

2 0 1 8

F R E E a r c h M Safety and Survival Training

for Commercial Fishermen

Man Overboard

Procedures

Firefighting & Flares

Survival Suits

Emergency

Communications

Flooding & Pump Operations

March 22nd 7:30am – 3:30pm Basic CPR/First Aid SAFETY AND SURVIVAL TRAINING Life Raft Equipment March 23rd 8:00am – 4:00pm

DRILL CONDUCTOR COURSE TO REGISTER contact

MARSHFIELD TOWN PIER BRANT ROCK Lori Caron 781-635-0011 ADDITIONAL LOCAL SAFETY TRAINING & DRILL CONDUCTOR LOCATIONS [email protected] Do you need help with health insurance or th th Checkout finding a doctor? NEW BEDFORD March 8 & 9 nd rd fishingpartnership.org You may still be eligible to MENEMSHA March 22 & 23 enroll in health insurance. for a full listing of events. GLOUCESTER May 3rd & 4th Contact Lori at the South Shore office 781-635-0011 th th .

February 26 and March 15 4 PM The cost of the

CPR/First Aid course is CPR/First Aid/Ergonomics Training $25. and is designed for Plymouth (Pre-Registration Required) commercial fishermen

Have health insurance questions? We are here to help. Contact a Fishing Partnership navigator today for assistance.

[ in association with the Massachusetts Fishermen’s Partnership ]

M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 43 M h c r a New eNglaNd ProPeller, INc. 8 1 0 2 Distributor of Michigan Propellers Inboard • outboard Next Generation 3D Computerized Propeller Analyzer Computerized Dynamic Balancing Custom Fabricated & Tested to U.S.C.G Specifications Marine Fuel Tanks By Capeway Welding • Marine Propeller Sales & Repairs - 4000 Props in Stock • Sierra Engine Parts for All Outboards & IOs • CDI Electronics • Camp & Godfrey Zincs • NGK Spark Plugs • Duramax Cutless Bearings • Spurs Line Cutters • PSS Dripless Shaft Seals • Buck Algonquin - Struts, Rudders & Stuffing Boxes • S/S Shafting • Drive Savers • Globe Impellers 9 Apollo Eleven Rd., Plymouth, MA 02360 Tel: 508-747-6666 800-635-9504 - neprop.com 44• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m 2 0 1 8

a r c h New England Fishery Management Council M

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Janice Plante January 31, 2018 (607) 592-4817, [email protected] Council Takes Final Action on Deep-Sea Coral Amendment; Comments on Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling in North Atlantic The New England Fishery Management Council has taken final action on its Omnibus Deep-Sea Coral Amendment and voted to submit the document to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for review and approval. In June of 2017, the Council adopted coral protection zones for the Gulf of Maine. Yesterday, at its meeting in Portsmouth, NH, the Council, after extensive debate, approved a 600-meter minimum depth “broad zone” for the continental slope and canyons south of Georges Bank (see map below). Once the amendment is implemented, this zone – with one exception – will be closed to all bottom-tending gear, meaning both mobile gear such as trawls and dredges and fixed gear such as traps and gillnets. The Council approved an exemption for the Atlantic deep-sea red crab pot fishery.

The 600-meter minimum depth broad zone, known as Option 6 in the Coral Amendment, was the Council’s preferred alternative for the continental slope and canyons prior to public hearings. However, the Council postponed final action last June in order to consider an additional proposal put forward by environmental groups. Known as Option 7, the new proposal covered more bottom and included shallower depths, ranging between 300 meters and 550 meters. Option 7 would have prohibited mobile bottom-tending gear but not fixed gear. The Council’s Habitat Plan Development Team, using trawl vessel monitoring system data to identify fishing grounds, edited the Option 7 boundary to reduce economic impacts.

Before making a final determination, the The New England Council approved a 600-meter minimum depth broad zone to Council considered extensive analyses of: protect deep-sea corals south of Georges Bank. Four seamounts and 20 deep-sea canyons are protected within the zone. – NEMFC graphic

New England Fishery Management Council | 50 Water Street, Mill 2 | Newburyport, MA 01950 Phone: (978) 465-0492 | Fax: (978) 465-3116 | www.nefmc.org M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 45 M h c r a 8 1 0 2

New England Fishery Management Council

• Option 6, the 600-meter minimum zone; • Option 7 as revised, the 300-meter to 550-meter zone; and • Option 6/7 combined with Option 7 for mobile bottom-tending gear and Option 6 for all bottom-tending gear. An exemption for the deep-sea red crab pot fishery was considered for all options. In the end, the Council selected the 600-meter broad zone, which encompasses 25,153 square miles. This option, which also was recommended by the Habitat Committee and Advisory Panel, covers: 75% of the known coral within the zone; 75% of the areas highly or very highly suitable as habitat for soft corals; and 85% of the areas with slopes greater than 30°. It also has lower economic impacts on fishermen using mobile bottom-tending gear.

Gulf of Maine Here’s a recap of what the Council approved last June for the Gulf of Maine: • Outer Schoodic Ridge and Mt. Desert Rock – The Council adopted a discrete coral protection zone for each of these areas where mobile bottom-tending gear (trawls and dredges) will be prohibited. Other types of fishing gear will be allowed, including lobster traps/pots. • Jordan Basin DHRA – The Council designated a Dedicated Habitat Research Area in Jordan Basin on/around the 114 fathom bump site, which encompasses roughly 40 square miles. This designation is meant to focus attention on the coral habitats at this site. The Council believes additional research on corals and fishing gear impacts should be directed here. No fishing restrictions are proposed at this time. The Omnibus Deep-Sea Coral Amendment also specifies that anyone conducting research activities in coral zones would be required to obtain a letter of acknowledgement from NMFS’s Gulf of Maine Coral Protection Zones and Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office. Dedicated Habitat Research Area. – NEFMC graphic

Once the amendment is implemented, changes to the following provisions will be allowable through framework adjustments: (1) adding, revising, or removing coral protection zones; (2) changing fishing restrictions; and (3) adopting or changing special fishery programs.

New England Fishery Management Council | 50 Water Street, Mill 2 | Newburyport, MA 01950 Phone: (978) 465-0492 | Fax: (978) 465-3116 | www.nefmc.org 46• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m 2 0 1 8 a r c h M New England Fishery Management Council

Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is soliciting comments through March 9, 2018 on its Draft National 2019-2024 Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which includes the North and Mid-Atlantic Planning Areas. The Council agreed to send a letter to BOEM recommending exclusion of these two areas from the five-year plan because oil and gas exploration and extraction activities in the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf involve inappropriate risks that “may harm living marine resources and the communities that depend on them.” The draft plan proposes lease sales in 2021 and 2023 for the North Atlantic area and in 2020, 2022, and 2024 for the Mid-Atlantic area. The New England Council previously submitted oil and gas development comments to BOEM and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on June 29, 2017 and August 15, 2017. In the August letter and reiterated in this next letter, the Council broke down its concerns into five categories, which involve the following: • Direct displacement of fishing activities due to survey or extraction activities in offshore environments; • Harm to sensitive, deep-water benthic habitats, including deep-sea corals, due to extraction activities; • Negative impacts on living marine resources due to high- decibel sounds emitted during seismic gas surveys and drilling operations, including potential Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing: Draft Proposed Program Areas and harm to some of the 28 Lease Years for the U.S. East Coast are shown above. Lease sales also are species managed by the New proposed off the West Coast and Alaska as well. The New England Council is England Council; commenting only on the North Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic areas. – NEFMC graphic

New England Fishery Management Council | 50 Water Street, Mill 2 | Newburyport, MA 01950 Phone: (978) 465-0492 | Fax: (978) 465-3116 | www.nefmc.org M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 47 M h c r a 8 1 0 2

New England Fishery Management Council

• Negative impacts to nearshore fish habitats due to infrastructure development needed to support an Atlantic oil and gas industry; and • Risks associated with leaks and spills resulting from oil and gas extraction and transport. The Council also supported developing a report to spatially document the value of fisheries on the Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf. The report will be used when developing future comments related to both renewable and non-renewable offshore energy.

More Information • Habitat-related materials used during this meeting are available at https://www.nefmc.org/library/january-2018-habitat-committee-report. • The New England Council’s Omnibus Habitat Amendment 2 webpage is located at https://www.nefmc.org/library/omnibus-habitat-amendment-2.

• Michelle Bachman, the Council’s habitat coordinator, can be reached at (978) 465-0492, ext. 120, [email protected].

• Information about BOEM’s draft five-year oil and gas plan can be found at https://www.boem.gov/National-OCS-Program/.

A brisingid seastar rests on a small bubblegum coral in Hydrographer Canyon (left). Below, a rock face with a diversity of soft corals, sea fans, and cup corals in Hydrographer Canyon. Images courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program, 2013 Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition.

New England Fishery Management Council | 50 Water Street, Mill 2 | Newburyport, MA 01950 Phone: (978) 465-0492 | Fax: (978) 465-3116 | www.nefmc.org 48• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

2 0 1 8 COMMERCIAL SUPPLIES!

a r c h ACCUSAT EPIRBs 6 Year M MAINE 406 MHZ WITH 6 Year Non-Haz Mat Battery! Type I Offshore Life Vest battery. 6 Year warranty. USCG/GMDSS USCG Approved H Approved. Completely waterproof. with reflective HAMILTON Features a stainless steel antenna. tape, light loop and whistle Cat II Manual attachment. GME-MT403 $ 99 MARINE Order# 731676 349 $2999 800-639-2715 Cat I Automatic Adult Universal GME-MT403FF $ 99 PFD-1A hamiltonmarine.com Order# 731678 469 Order# 748930 In-Sight Offshore Premium Adult Universal Knife Sheath Automatic/Manual Inflatable PFD Immersion Suit Fits on suspenders of bib pants. Plastic. USCG APPROVED Type V with Type II Performance Order# 749724 Heavy-duty 420 denier nylon shell. Neoprene comfort USCG APPROVED collar. In-Sight window shows armed status. SOLAS $ 89 reflective tape. Full 35 lbs buoyancy. High visibility yellow inflat- 9 LIMITED QUANTITIES! able head pillow, face mask, Molded Handle Knife mitts and ankle adjustments. Fits plastic sheath. $ 99 Removable head pillow. Articu- Order# 172011 SAVE lated arms for easier donning. $ 69 99 $ Includes buddy line and whistle. 11 Reg 149.99 50 Molded Handle Only Commercial Orange $ 99 HML-KNIFE-MH Order# 752862 249 Order# 762605 Red KNT-1540-AU $ 29 Order# 761645 Order# 753274 6 Muckmaster™ Boots Cold Water Gloves Rugged but comfortable 100% waterproof Foul Weather Gear 100% quality neoprene. 3.5mm thickness footwear. Full-bootie construction, breath- HUGE SELECTION for warmth, protection and durability. able Airmesh™ lining and supportive Rugged sharkskin palms for sure grip contoured footbed. Heavy duty lug sole IN STOCK! and adjustable wrist strap for a snug fit. for traction in mud and snow. Search# Retains flexibility in extreme cold. GRD- Hi 16" Boot, Sizes 5-14 $ 99 139 $1999 pair pair Sizes S-2XL Search# Search# CFD-MMH500A HMG-5600

Anti-Fatigue Mats Electric Rope Cutting Guns WE MARK & SWAGE WIRE! 2-Sided Interlocking Design, 1/2" thick, 3' x 3' mat. 100 Watts Galvanized or Stainless Steel wire, from 100% re-vulcanized rubber. 1/4" to 1" diameter. We hand and machine $ 67 (commercial) swage wire and mark wire for $ 50 29 fishermen the old fash- 14 PUR-15463 ioned way. Order# 127675 SAVE $ 49 Heavy Duty 120 Watts 4 $ 19 Reg 18.99 36 HTV-179873 PUR-15463HD Order# 754535 Order# 735613 PORTLAND ROCKLAND SEARSPORT SOUTHWEST HARBOR JONESPORT MAINE M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 49 M h c r a Bait Bags Lobster Buoys Hamilton Marine Lobster Buoy Paint Search# By the each or case Extra tough, long lasting, flexible coating, UV and weather

HML-BB resistant, low odor, fast drying, soap and water cleanup. 8 1 0 2 HML-BUOY- Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Black or White VOLUME $ 99 $ 99 PRICING Size Order# #/Case 14 QT 49 GAL AVAILABLE! 5X11 118250 48 Search# HM-LBP 6X14 118252 25 SCAN THIS 7X7 118258 35 7X14 118254 18 QR CODE 7X15 118256 20 See just how tough 9x16 138583 12 our new buoy paint is!

The Original ManLine Pot Warp Fish Basket Fish Totes Plastic. No Holes. High strength, low noise! Round, orange plastic with holes, Search# HMP-MANLINE approx. 1 bushel capacity.

VOLUME PRICING AVAILABLE! $ 99 19 Color Dimensions Capacity Order# SELL Black 28"L x 16"W x 11"D 70 Liters 118291 16.99 HML-BASKET-PAS Gray 28"L x 16"W x 11"D 70 Liters 736466 16.99 Order# 118243 Blue 28"L x 16"W x 14"D 85 Liters 760085 24.99 Exhaust Wrap LED Engine Room Lights • Made from fiberglass High Performance LED Lights Engine room lights with IP-68 protection, 180° beam • Contains no asbestos angle, surface mount (hardware included), wire can exit • Sold in 100' rolls Patented specter and hybrid from bottom or end of fixture. Cool white LED bulbs. optics. High purity aluminum 13"L x 2-3/4"W x 7/8"H. housings. Superior light with BEST ultra low power consumption. LED SELLER! Search# RIL- Starting At Part# Size Order# SELL HM-EW2 2" x 1/16" 117646 24.49 $ 99 Part# Description Order SELL HM-EW3 3" x 1/16" 117648 35.99 113 SCA-41388 12 volt, 36-LED 755323 59.99 HM-EW4 4" x 1/16" 117649 46.99 SCA-41389 10-30 volt, 50-LED 754596 97.99

Twin-S Controls Coosa Composite Panels Extren® Fiberglass Structural Use in place of plywood! Shapes & Plates Highly polished, corro- Get the wood out! sion-resistant chrome High density, plated brass. Includes 33c polyurethane foam, reinforced with Lightweight, cable connectors. layers of fiberglass and high strength, $ 99 strands through- low maintenance, 249 out. Lightweight, corrosion and UV TEL-CH5200P non-rotting. resistant. Order# 735916 Search# CSA- Search# SGW-

Anchor Deck Hatches Cast Aluminum Commercial Hatches Anodized Aluminum with Stainless Steel Flange Fast acting, flush, watertight. Easily installed in any deck style. 15" x 24" 24" x 24" $64999 $114999 Many Sizes SAVE Available! $ SAVE 170 $250

16" x 24" Reg 819.99 Reg 1399.99 HM-H1624A $ 99 FMN-2433-0002 FMN-2424-0002 Order# 117454 454 Order# 754527 Order# 754529 Typographical errors are unintentional and subject to correction. 50• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m New Interstate Plan for Atlan- 2 0 1 8 tic Menhaden: Revised Quotas, Same Reference Points a r c h

M After an intense two-day meeting, the Atlantic States Marine Fisher- ies Commission has approved a new interstate fishery management plan for Atlantic menhaden. The Commission approved Amendment 3 to take effect in 2018, after struggling with the contentious is- sues of the scale of the overall coastwide quota, the shares allocated to each state, and the theoretical question of whether to manage menhaden individually—or in the larger context of its role in the ecosystem. The ASMFC received a record-setting number of public comments on these issues.

Relative to the potential range of options, the reforms in Amend- ment 3 are arguably modest. For instance, the amendment main- Commercial vessel seining for menhaden in Ipswich Bay, MA. tains the existing single-species biological reference points for de- fisheries); however, these were seen as too drastic a departure from termining menhaden’s stock status, as well as state-by-state quota the existing approach that allows each state the flexibility to man- management of the coastwide commercial total allowable catch age its quota to best meet local needs. Other options maintained (TAC). The most substantial change is how the amendment allocates the state-by-state approach but changed the allocation timeframe, the TAC among the states. such as to include landings from older and/or more recent years. However, no single timeframe option could address all of the “prob- The original quota allocation formula resulted in the lion’s share of lem” states’ allocations because of wide swings in the availability of the quota (85%) going to a single state, Virginia, with New Jersey menhaden and the effect on a state’s landings. coming in a distant second (11%). No other state received more than 1.37%, and Massachusetts received 0.84%. These allocations were The fixed minimum approach provided the mechanism to move established based on the proportion of each state’s landings during away from the total reliance on a particular period in history for the years 2009–2011. (Virginia has the sole remaining “reduction” determining allocation. Amendment 3 provides each Atlantic coast fishery along the Atlantic coast, in which menhaden are produced jurisdiction, of which there are 16, with a base allocation of 0.5% of into fish meal and fish oil. All other landings are sold as bait for both the TAC, before allocating the remainder to states based on their commercial and recreational fisheries.) proportion of the coastwide landings during 2009–2011. At the 0.5% level, it reallocates 8% of the TAC equally to all jurisdictions, While the use of these years captured recent fishery performance and maintains the status quo allocation approach for 92% of the unbiased by catch limits, it ignored the fluctuating abundance of TAC. The reallocation takes quota away from Virginia primarily, and menhaden and the capacity seen in a number of states’ fisheries from New Jersey to a much lesser degree. Meanwhile, every other in prior years. During the past few years, with the addition of old- jurisdiction sees an increased share. er year classes in the population, menhaden are more abundant in New England waters, the northern end of the range. The result was The potential economic impact of reduced allocations for Virginia a quota management system that underserved some states, leav- and New Jersey was a serious matter for the ASMFC, and factored ing them little opportunity to rebuild their fisheries to former levels. into several other decisions. First, attempts to adopt a higher fixed This was recognized during the adoption of Amendment 2, and led minimum, including 0.75% and 1.0%, were rejected. Second, a pro- to the plan’s inclusion of the episodic event set-aside and incidental vision was established whereby states can opt to relinquish some or catch limit (more on these later), as well as a 3-year allocation revisit all of their quota for redistribution to the other states on an annual provision. basis. This provision recognizes that the fixed minimum approach provides more quota to some states than needed, including some Draft Amendment 3 offered up various reallocation options. Sever- without a commercial menhaden fishery or any intent to develop al would have adopted gear-based, regional, or disposition-based one. Third, the ability to transfer quota between states remains in quotas (the latter meaning a split between the bait and reduction the plan, such that a state with a projected underage as its fishery winds down could donate unused quota to a quota-hungry state. Fourth, the TAC will increase by 8% from 200,000 metric tons (mts) for 2017 to 216,000 mts for 2018 and 2019. The combined result is that every state’s quota (by weight) is up in 2018.

DMF supported the fixed minimum approach for quota allocation but favored the 1% level. We reasoned this would have provided enough quota to all states to eliminate the need to leave a quanti- ty of quota as an “episodic event” set-aside. This provision has al- lowed Northeast states who experience an unexpected abundance off their coast to reach into extra quota when their allocation is filled. DMF advocated to simplify the plan by removing the episodic events set-aside, as well as the incidental catch limit allowance to ensure all harvest is counted against the TAC. With the 0.5% fixed minimum winning the day, these two stipulations remained in the plan with some modification to the incidental catch allowance. Menhaden collected by DMF biologists during a sampling trip. 8 | DMF News M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 51 M h c r a Massachusetts’ season opens January 1 although the fish don’t gen- for compliance with Amendment 3. Our fishery has avoided a quota erally arrive in local waters until May. Menhaden depart Massachu- closure in all years under this system of trip limits. In so doing, we’ve setts by the end of October. State regulations allow anyone with also removed the possibility of participating in the episodic event 8 1 0 2 a commercial fishing permit to take 6,000 pounds per trip or day set-aside. (whichever is longer) until the quota is harvested. Those with a men- haden permit endorsement have a 125,000-pound trip limit until DMF received largely positive feedback on its management of the 85% of the quota is taken, then a 25,000-pound trip limit until 95% menhaden fishery in Massachusetts during the public hearings for of the quota is taken, after which they have the same 6,000-pound Amendment 3. We’ll keep this in mind as we consider any refine- trip limit as the open entry fishery. The intent of these trip limits is to ments based on the recent changes to the interstate management stretch out the season and provide for small-scale access through- plan. out it. Should a quota closure occur, up to 1,000 pounds menhaden can be harvested, provided 95% of the harvest is of other species. By Nichola Meserve, Fisheries Policy Analyst We’ll need to exclude large purse seines from this bycatch tolerance

Mystic River Fish Restoration Efforts are Working Record number of river herring return to the Mystic Lakes in 2017

The future for this run appears even more promising thanks to on- going restoration work within the Mystic and Aberjona watersheds. Last fall, as part of a US EPA Superfund settlement, the Town of Winchester installed a steeppass fishway on the Aberjona River at Center Falls Dam in Winchester, the first impediment to fish migra- tion upstream of the Mystic Lakes Dam. In 2017, the Center Falls Dam gates were opened and the head pond drawn down for work on buildings in downtown Winchester, meaning that 2018 will be the first season for migratory fish passage through the ladder. This will provide annual passage to Wedge Pond and further upstream through Horn Pond Brook to Horn Pond itself.

The rebuilding of the Scalley Dam at Horn Pond this past spring allowed an opportunity for DMF to work with the Towns of Win- chester and Woburn to improve the rock ramp auxiliary spillway for the pond to make it more fish friendly. In past years, DMF bi- ologists and local volunteers have documented herring passing up this spillway, but many more fish appeared unable to swim up the School of river herring. Photo courtesy of Matt Devine. steep spillway. Before the construction site was demobilized, sev- eral yards of rocks were added to the toe of the slope to soften the The river herring run in the Mystic River showed continued im- grade of the ramp and improve passage into the 102-acre pond. provement this year in response to fish passage restoration work that began in 2011. The replacement of the Upper Mystic Lakes Collectively, the restoration work conducted in this urban- water Dam by the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) shed has provided new access for migratory fish to three water bod- provided an opportunity to create fish passage into Upper Mystic ies totaling 288 acres. This diadromous fish restoration effort is one Lake beginning in 2012, granting consistent access to 200 acres of of our most successful, in terms of providing migratory fish access to spawning and nursery habitat for alewives, blueback herring, and obstructed waterways at multiple sites with highly positive results American eel. A volunteer visual count led by the Mystic River Wa- in a very short time frame. tershed Association (MyRWA) has documented a threefold increase in the herring population which has risen from just under 200,000 By Ben Gahagan, Diadromous Fisheries Biologist fish in 2012 to approximately 630,000 in 2017, making it the largest herring run recorded in the state this year.

Another exciting development in 2017 was the collaborative imple- mentation of an online counting and education project at the site. A video monitoring system was installed at the exit of the fishway and recorded fish as they passed into Upper Mystic Lake. This footage was uploaded to the internet where counts could be crowdsourced, increasing the available resources to count fish, spreading aware- ness of the run, and informing us about migration patterns at this site. This material and other resources were also brought into local school districts to build awareness and improve environmental edu- cation options in the greater Boston school system. DMF designed and installed the video system and provided in-season technical advice, and field assistance to help MyRWA execute this project, Rebuilding efforts at the Scalley Dam at Horne Pond this past spring. which can be found online at www.mysticherring.org. 10 | DMF News 52• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m MLA CLASSIFIEDS 2 0 1 8 PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD TO MAKE SURE IT IS CURRENT

a r c h Send ads to [email protected] M

AD #1 (12/17) FOR SALE –Rapp Hydema HMN 03 w/ 3 AD#7 (11/17) FOR SALE- Marco B29 menhaden power block gauge bridge and 10 gauge hauling end, plastic runners. Sell spare motors spare hydro-hoses 2 sets of spare rollers sheave with bolt on cleats ready to use $10,000.00 OBO Call as whole lot best reasonable offer. Call 508-246-4009 $5,500. OBRO 2006 Four man Elliot Life Raft last repacked in 508-272-8431 2015 $500. OBO 1 ACR Eperb still compliant $200. Call Aaron AD# 15 (2/18) FOR SALE- 26 traps -36×22 1/2- 10 gauge, AD#8 (12/17) FOR SALE –4 Bladed inch and a 1/2 Shaft at 401-218-5764 or e-mail [email protected] hoop ends. 22 traps 39×22 1/2 12 gauge shrimp mesh, hoop 22×22 propeller ( Excellent Condition) Call Dave at 978-283- ends. $25 Call Mark 978-408-9329 0944 AD#2 (12/17) WANTED-Area 2 trap tags paying $50 -75 a tag call 508 542 5729 AD#9 (10/17) WANTED – Mass State Coastal Lobster Permit AD# 16 (12/17) FOR SALE-Area 2 Coastal Mass lobster permit, (Area 1) – please call or text David 617-293-3495 asking 12,000 & scup permit 10,000 will consider trap tags for AD#3 (11/17) WANTED -used 6″ cowl muffler Call Steve @ the right price. 508-207-7805 978-257-1062. AD# 10 (12/17) FOR SALE– 2001 Kawasaki Voyager Full dresser less than 8,000. miles $2,500.00 781-724-4960 AD# 17 (12/17) WANTED to buy lobster crates and fish totes AD#4 (2/18) FOR SALE - PROPELLER REPAIR BUSINESS: Turn call David 508-558-6861 key operation serving SE New England since 1998. AD# 11 (9/17) FOR SALE–Hydraulic Components, parts and Prime commercial accounts. 1,700 customer list. No service. Pumps, Motors, Valves and Accessories. Hydraulic AD# 18 (10/17) FOR SALE- 2012 Maritime Skiff 20ft 9inch experience necessary, original owner/operator will train. Hoses made while you wait. Great Prices – Same day service t-top electronics 115 HP Yamaha hours with trailer Excellent Welding experience a plus. Mike McMillin at 401-848- (in many cases)- Wide selection of in-stock items. Rebuilt items condition $28,000.00 508-813-8921 7877 [email protected]. Wicked good website: www. are occasionally available. Call ROSE MARINE, Gloucester, oceanpropsri.com, included in sale. MASS 877-283-3334 AD# 19 (02/18) FOR SALE- Used Friendship traps, yellow, all 10 gauge, shrimp mesh, plastic runners $30.00 each-rope AD#5 (12/17) FOR SALE –Used equipment: Rapp Hydema AD# 12 (12/17) WANTED-Looking to purchase a coastal available 7/16 Everson Call 617-529-7001 HMN 03 Lifter(like new), SS setting bar 6’X6’X2.5″, solid access permit 978-530-8686 fiberglass net box or wash tub 6’wx42”dx32”h, 24+ orange AD# 20 (10/17) FOR SALE– 30, 34” lobster traps. Fished for 2 floats, 2 lg grey vats w/covers, $4,500 or BRO. (3) Pieces of AD# 13 (10/17) FOR SALE- 2016 T Jason 28 225hp John years, FURNITURE GRADE. asking $50 a piece. Can contact by flexible rubber exhaust hose BO, 9’8”x2” like new SS shaft with Deere Engine Set up for lobstering 3 foot transom extension phone at (617) 688-5434 between the hours of 5pm-8pm or taper and keyways $500. 774 264 0140 call or text Bob Dobias @ 978.979.1795- $70,000 by email [email protected]

AD #6 (12/17) SERVICE – Diesel fuel cleaned – mooring diving AD# 14 (12/17) FOR SALE-(65) New 36″x22.5″x15″ lobster AD# 21 (12/17) FOR SALE – 800 Artic cat snow mobile 650 – propeller repair – will travel call Fran 781-545-4154 traps, shrimp mesh heads, wedge bricks,12 gauge body,10 with a trailer 5,000.00 781-724-4960

“Specializing in the sale & delivery of LOBSTER BAIT for over 30 years”

FRESH FROZEN AND SALTED BAIT AVAILABLE

SKATES ~ HERRING ~POGIES ~ HADDOCK ~ COD FISH POLLOCK ~ FLAT FISH ~ FISH SKINS ~ RED FISH DOG FISH HEADS ~ SALMON

C & P BAIT Contact: 33 Wright St Danny Costa 508-951-9818 New Bedford, MA 02740 Carlos Pereira 508-951-9819 M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 53 M

MLA CLASSIFIEDS h c r a 8 1 0 2

AD# 22 (12/17) WANTED– AREA 2 TRAP TAGS – CALL 508- AD#41 (12/17) FOR SALE- 6 H.P. horizontal shaft engine with mesh blue. Included-3 trawls worth of 7/16 Everson spliced 274-7096 a steel sleeve. 1992 Tecumseh, USA made, pristine, never out gangens, 19 fathom between each. John 617-212-3360 of box-never started. Good for hauling rigs, log splitters, pumps AD# 23 (12/17) FOR SALE- Federal Permit w/ history -Call etc. $290.00 Call 508-269-1406 AD#50 (1/18) Scallop Quota for lease- e-mail @ hiflyer2@ Edward -857-222-5231 verizon.net AD#42 (2/18) FOR SALE– Approx., 100 good used totes AD# 25 (12/17) FOR SALE-32 “Lobster Boat -Fiberglass Maine $4.00 a piece-New 1 -1/2 inch x 10 feet prop shaft AQ22 AD#51 (1/18) Custom 25 Fib Fab (1990) WILLPOWER lobster or tuna boat Holland 1984. 454 gasoline engine 3 $400.00- New 3&4 blade wheels 24-25 inch $500.00 each. Mercruiser Seacore MAG 496 Dual Nav Stations Power years old, 12” pot hauler. Currently used for lobster fishing Large insulated fish tubs/boxes BONAR, SEA PLAST $200 Pot Puller $23,900 508-255-0777 ask for Clark clark@ everyday. New boat coming, must sell. 28,000.00 Call 978- each, Grunden jackets $20.00 each Contact Ed @ 508-880- nausetmarine.com 884-2988 3600 or e-mail [email protected] AD#52 (1/18) FOR SALE- Attention C-Trap Customers– AD#26 (12/17) FOR SALE- Lee- extra strong outriggers 22 ft AD#43 Diving Services–I’m a certified diver that has been Custom cut, wood or wire Conch pots, wooden lobster trap long Ideal for a lobster boat $450.00 508-813-8921 working on and under the water my whole life (30years). kits. New trap designs available, tappered wood conch pot and No job to big or too small I do it all. Hull/Bottom: cleaning/ wire hybrid. Call Matt for details 508 758 2740C me on face AD#27 (12/17) FOR SALE- 1968 34 ft., Webers Cove fiberglass scrapping, repairs, inspections. Prop/Rudder: replacement, book @ctrap16 hull 1995 Volvo Penta 230 H.P. inboard diesel restored in de-tanglement, debris removal, repairs, inspection. Keel: AD#53 (2/18) FOR SALE- 60 – brand new never fished traps, 2015 very clean, brand new- Simrad NSS8 4-G radar, set up repairs, inspections, cleaning. Also any mooring repairs, 36x22x15 – 3 brick -starboard side haul setup. Green vinyl for lobstering custom davit $29,000.00 OBO 508-228-1243 removal, inspections. I have two small work boats, one trailer with yellow shrimp mesh cut heads. Hake mouth parlor. Built and a inflatable, so I can get anywhere and get the job done. by Northeast Trap Co. $60. each. Call Paul -781-929-3837 AD#28 (12/17) FOR SALE– BUNGEE CORD ON SPOOLS. Made Willing to travel anywhere on the New England coast. Call Now in New England area. Call Jonathon “Mr. Bungee” 401-447- and save money on hauling out. FREE estimates!!!! Text or call AD#54 (2/18) FOR SALE-200 36x15x22.5 black and green 7973 or [email protected] 5/16″ x 300’ft Bucky (339) 205-6633 mix Pono traps. 3 brick, shrimp green heads some have parlor $35.00/spool 5/16″x 500’ft $50.00 spool All sizes, colors to gates. $20 also 50-100 4’ mixed gear mostly concrete runners choose from. Located in Cranston, RI AD#44 (12/17) FOR SALE- 80 traps-36×22 shrimp mesh $20 … buy 100 and pick free from 50 or so that need patching heads w/rope. Ready to go. $20.00 120 used 3 ft., Pono’s or a runner-774-216-1500 AD#29 (12/17) Looking to buy ASAP– Black Sea Bass and or with rope $30.00 each Call Matt 339-613-7122 Scup potting permit for MA waters. Interested in buying both or AD#55 (2/18) WANTED helper / sternman– F/ V Walter just one, with or without boat and or gear. Any leads would be AD#45 (11/17) FOR SALE-turn key fishing daily 35’ Novi 3208 Marie Nahant Experience is preferred. Joel 781 581- appreciated (617) 943-1411. cat. 506 gear low hours on engine simara auto pilot, furuno 0324 [email protected] radar, north star plotter, furuno sounder, split pilot house,14 AD#31 (12/17) FOR SALE- 100- 4 ft lobster traps 2 years old in hauler, state commercial lobster lin.400 3ft lobster Call Diamond Jim @ 978-994-5506 traps-$68000 call- 978 283 7252

AD#32 (12/17) FOR SALE- Pot Hauler electric dyne extra duty AD#46 (12/17) FOR gear 10 inch stainless steel sheaves custom made A frame SALE– Complete turn key aluminum diver control and gauge electric wire $1,600.00 business- 36 ft Stanley 505-813-8921 built lobster boat-built in 1981- Last survey 2013, AD#33 (12/17) FOR SALE -gill net flaker 5,000. obo 781-724- 2 chart plotters, 3 survival 4960 suits, radar, 2 VHF radios, Cummins 220 HP has 3500 AD#34 (12/17) Wanted-Area 3 federal permit, any allocation, hours, locator Beacon, 500 ready to buy, call or text 207-841-2399 (leave msg) Joe lobster pots and 70 buoys with all end lines, Boat and AD#35 (12/17)-FOR SALE- Spencer Carter Gill-Net Hauler Not gear well maintained Area 1 Much use $10,000. 781-724-4960 state lobster permit, Area 1 federal permit- Package deal AD#36 (12/17) FOR SALE 1989 42 ft Provencal 370 H.P. only- Asking $111,500 OBO C7 Caterpillar low hours 507 twin disc gear new engine was Boat is located in Scituate installed and maintained by WindWard Power. 2 Furano gp 32 Mass Call between 4-6 pm gps standard VHS, Sitex color machine, Humming bird depth 781-710-2918 finder. CRC 406 E-PRB Asking $80,000 Call before 7 p.m. Bill 508-693-0310 AD#47 (11/17) WANTED- Mass State Coastal Lobster AD#37 (12/17) FOR SALE– 55 Bruno 3406 power 514 gear Permit (Area 1) call or text twin disc 12.5 Isuzu generator aluminum fuel tanks -has winter Robert 617-417-9630 house extension/set for gill-netting w/mask & boom $120,000 781-724-4960 AD#48 (2/18) FOR SALE- $.30 per pound AD#38 (12/17) FOR SALE - 46’ NOVI NO-MOTOR NEW FUEL Window Weights Minimum TANKS $30,000 781-724-4960 1000 pds Call 508-813- 8921 AD#39 (12/17) FOR SALE – 6′ Scallop frame, heavy duty and in new condition asking $1500 OBO Herb 978-559-7849 AD#49 (1/18) FOR SALE- (home) 978-525-8496 (cell) 100 white 4′ lobster traps, brand new / never been AD#40 (9/17) FOR SALE– 30 ft 1999 Young Brothers Lobster/ fished. Built in 2017, asking Tuna Boat- 220 John Deere-SS Hauler Furuno Navnet radar the price I paid $8450 or -mast and pulpit- rod holder / chiller/ raft etc., Clean fast boat BO. 50-48x22x15 double 100,000 Call 207-363-8279 hooped shrimp mesh blue. 50-48x21x13 shrimp 54• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m

2 0 1 8 Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, Inc. 8 Otis Place ~ Scituate, MA 02066 a r c h Bus. (781) 545-6984 Fax. (781) 545-7837 M

February 23, 2018

Senator Karen E. Spilka Via email: [email protected] Senate Ways and Means Committee, Chair State House 24 Beacon St., Room 212 Boston, MA, 02133 Dear Madam Chair, The 1800 member Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) respectfully submits this letter strongly supporting the proposed FY2019 Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs budget line item for “$625,000 to support a new environmental police class of ten officers who will oversee protection of the Commonwealth’s natural resources, marine recreation, and hunting and fishing industries.” https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-releases-fiscal-year-2019-budget-proposal The diminutive number of Environmental Police Officers here in the Commonwealth is presently 37 and based on the magnitude of the commercial fishing industry and the many other coastal user groups we believe the budget is warranted.

Established in 1963, the MLA is a member-driven organization that accepts and supports the interdependence of species conservation and the members’ collective economic interests. The MLA continues to work conscientiously through the fisheries management process with the MA Division of Marine Fisheries, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries, and the New England Fisheries Management Council to ensure the continued sustainability and profitability of the many resources in which our fishermen depend upon. The MLA continues to works directly with the MA Environmental Police on a regular basis while endorsing compliance among all fisheries here in the Commonwealth.

Currently, the Commonwealth’s Coastal Region has 7 Regions encompassing approximately 1500 square miles. While the Offshore Region enforcement adds an additional 2500 square miles and the average Environmental Police Officer patrols 4-8 cities and towns while Plymouth, Nantucket and Marthas’s Vineyard have one officer assigned for patrol.

The MLA is continually alarmed given the low number of Officers and the increase of violations that have been written by the Coastal Bureau since 2012 which was 1163 violations and in 2017 there were 1700 violations written. We then question how many violations were missed simple due to the lack of man power? The MLA strongly encourages you to support the proposed budgetary increase that will allow the hiring of 10 new Environmental Police Officers. These Officers are the boots on the ground that is not only wanted by the commercial fishing industry but needed to protect and serve the many other user groups! Thank you for your time and consideration. Please call me with any questions you may have. Thank you, Beth Casoni Executive Director

cc: Sec. M. Beaton, EEA Sen. B. Tarr, MA Coastal Caucus Col. J. McGinn, MA Env. Police Dir. Dr. D. Pierce, MADMF Ex. Board, MLA

1 M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o bster m e n . c o m • 55 M h c r a 8 1 0 2

WHEN YOUR ENGINE MEANS BUSINESS, MILTON CAT MEANS MORE. Milton CAT is the Northeast and upstate New York Caterpillar dealer. Our complete range of marine power systems solutions is backed by a team with exceptional knowledge and experience. • More engine choices. • More fully equipped and staffed locations. • More support for your commercial fishing vessel, ferry, tug, or pleasure craft. • More ordering and delivery options for unparalleled part availability.

Contacts: (in ME, NH, VT) Stewart Tuttle, 207-885-8082, [email protected] (in MA, RI) Kevin Hampson, 508-634-5503, [email protected] 56• M assachusetts L o b s t e r m e n ’ s A s s o c i a t i o n • w w w . l o b s t e r m e n . c o m 2 0 1 8 a r c h M

Stock and Custom-Built Traps Lobster and Specialty Traps Aquaculture Supplies Huge Inventory of Commercial Fishing Supplies Four Locations in Maine

BROOKSTRAPMILL.COM (800) 426-4526