March 2012 - Maine Lobstermen`s Association
Transcription
March 2012 - Maine Lobstermen`s Association
MAINE AINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION Better Informed, Better Decisions March 2012 Vol 20, No 3 Boston Seafood Show changes with the times No, you can’t get there from here (if you’re a lobster) By Melissa Waterman T hat overused saying from the old “Bert and I” comedy skits certainly applies when it comes to shipping lobsters by air from Maine: You can’t get there from here. Lobster dealers in Maine can’t move their live product by air unless they use FedEx, DHL or UPS, none of which can ship large quantities of the crustacean. Thus dealers must truck their product down to Boston or New York City where they link up with freight consolidators who will reserve shipping space on commercial airliners. So why not use commercial flights landing in Bangor or Portland to move live lobsters? “The types of aircraft that land here now are smaller than before,” explained Anthony Caruso Jr., assistant director of Bangor International Airport. “There’s not much if any belly load capacity.” Belly load? No, it’s not that full feeling you get after Thanksgiving dinner. Rather it is the term for the space in each passenger plane in which luggage is stored. If there is more space than luggage, commercial cargo can be shipped on the aircraft. By Nancy Griffin I f you are involved in the seafood business and the calendar says it’s March, you are likely headed to the International Boston Seafood Show, held this year on March 11, 12 and 13. It’s big, it’s exhausting and it is the place to be for Maine’s many seafood companies. The first Boston Seafood Show was held in 1982, in a former Boston armory dubbed “The Castle.” Started by the New England Fisheries Development Foundation (NEFDF) and the Canadian Consulate in Boston, exhibitors tended to come from New England, with a lot of Boston processors, and from the Maritimes. The show caught on and quickly outgrew its first venue and moved to the World Trade Center at Commonwealth Pier for its second year. Photo courtesy of Diversified Communications. Maine Lobstermen’s Association 21 Western Ave. #1 Kennebunk, ME 04043 U.S. Postage Paid Brunswick, ME 04011 PRST STD Permit No. 65 Continued on page 11 Continued on page 24 2011 lobster landings break records By Melissa Waterman M aine lobster fishermen last year caught 103,875,022 pounds of lobster with a value of $331,422,824, according to figures released by the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) in February. “It’s a glass ceiling figure, an unobtainable number that we never thought we’d reach,” commented Carl Wilson, lead lobster biologist at the department. As David Cousens, president of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, said in a Portland Press Herald article at the time, “It’s unreal.” One hundred million pounds is a lot of lobster compared to landings thirty years ago. In 1982, 22.7 million pounds came over Maine’s wharves. The catch started to rise in the 2000s, hitting 80 million pounds in 2009 and a record 94.7 million pounds in 2010. At the same time, other fisheries in the state began to slip in dominance. Lobster now accounts for 70 percent of the value of the state’s commercial fisheries. This increase is no short-term blip in the population, according to Wilson. “Fifteen years ago we could point to any number of factors, such as lack of predators and a change in water temperature, to explain a pulse [of lobsters] above the normal,” Wilson said. “Now I think that after twenty years of sustained increase we must acknowledge that there’s a positive feedback that led to this.” Reports from lobstermen and DMR staff alike indicate that there are a lot of juvenile lobsters on the bottom right now. That makes sense Stage 4 juvenile lobster. Photo because in general, if more by Eric Annis, Hood College. adults successfully reach sexual maturity, then there will be more juveniles. Wilson believes that the ecosystem has changed enough that all those juveniles are not simply the result of a few years of favorable recruitment. Eastern Maine has experienced the sharpest growth in landings as well as lobster density. “Southern and western Maine landings are not increasing at the same rate as in eastern Maine,” Wilson pointed out. In the Continued on page 4 INSIDE New Recruit, looking forward page 7 More TAA workshops! page 10 Meeting roundup page 18 2 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION Maine Lobstermen’s Association Advocating for a A sustainable lobster resource and the fishermen and ccommunities that depend on it Since 1954 S Board of Directors ••• President: David Cousens So. Thomaston, 207.594.7518 1st VP: Jim Dow Bass Harbor, 207.288.9846 2nd VP: Brian McLain New Harbor, 207.677.3377 Sec/Treasurer: Arnold Gamage, Jr. So. Bristol, 207.644.8110 Bob Baines, Spruce Head, 596.0177 Shane Carter, Bar Harbor, 288.0236 Dwight Carver, Beals, 497.2895 Gerry Cushman, Port Clyde, 372.6429 Jim Henderson, Camp Ellis, 282.0913 Robert Ingalls, Bucks Harbor, 255.3418 Mark Jones, Boothbay, 633.6054 Jason Joyce, Swan’s Island, 526.4109 Jack Merrill, Islesford, 244-4187 Tad Miller, Matinicus, 372.6941 Mike Myrick, Cushing, 354.6077 Brad Parady, Kittery, 337.3141 Kristan Porter, Cutler, 259.3306 Lawrence R. Pye, Small Point, 389.9131 Willis Spear, Yarmouth, 846.9279 Jay Smith, Nobleboro, 563.5208 Craig Stewart, Long Island, 846.3158 Elliott Thomas, Yarmouth, 846.6201 Donald Young, Cushing, 354.6404 Jack Young, Vinalhaven, 863.4905 Staff ••• Executive Director Patrice McCarron 207.967.4555 [email protected] Industry Communications Coordinator Melissa Waterman 207.691.2330 [email protected] Whale Projects Coordinator Heather Tetreault 207.967.4555 [email protected] Education Coordinator Annie Tselikis [email protected] Education Assistant April Gilmore [email protected] Communications Assistant Sarah Paquette [email protected] The MLA newsletter is published monthly. It is provided for free to all Maine lobstermen thanks to the support of newsletter sponsors. This month’s sponsor is Cozy Harbor Seafood. Maine Lobstermen’s Association 21 Western Ave., #1 Kennebunk, ME 04043 [email protected] www.mainelobstermen.org Our newsletter is now online! March 2012 Steaming Ahead I recently attended a meeting of the Scientific Review Group (SRG) which reviews marine mammal stock assessment reports and provides advice to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on marine mammal issues. It was created through the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the law that guides the federal whale rules. Assessing the health of marine mammal stocks and independently reviewing those assessments has a huge bearing on the lobster industry. Given the highly endangered status of right whales, the pressure to minimize large whale interactions with fishing gear is tremendous. The MMPA is very specific about the goal of the management plan. The law determines the potential biological removal (PBR) of whales (i.e., the number of whales that can be removed from the stock due to human causes). It requires that serious injuries and deaths of whales from human activities -- namely shipping and fishing -- do not exceed it. When it comes to stock assessments, the devil is in the details. Just think about all of the economic harm caused by the uncertainties in the recent cod and shrimp assessments. And the laws tend to be very rigid about how and when the information in stock assessments can be changed. In our case, the marine mammal assessments are revised once a year, and the corresponding annual review by the SRG matters a lot. I have to admit that until very recently, I wasn’t really aware of the SRG or the importance of its work. Over the course of the summer and fall I attended whale meetings organized by Maine Department of Marine Resources and National Marine Fisheries Service whose purpose was to engage the lobster industry on how to reduce the risk that vertical lines pose to whales. As is generally the case, the lobstermen who attended these meetings were armed with questions about the process – wanting to know what has and hasn’t worked so far, whether or not the rules in place are actually benefitting whales, and why we have to do any of this. You name it, they asked it, and then some. So when I hunkered down to prepare MLA’s comments to NMFS, I revisited the text of the MMPA and re-read the stock assessment reports for humpback and right whales. Armed with an array of questions and strategies I’d picked up over the course of the industry meetings, I read these documents with a fresh perspective. There were many items in both the humpback and right whale assessments that didn’t make sense to me. For example, I identified inconsistencies in how the PBR (yes, our goalpost) for right whales is calculated. I identified inconsistencies in the number of U.S. versus Canadian entanglements that contribute to PBR. Long story short, I called MLA’s lawyer and NMFS to get some answers. While there were very few satisfying answers offered, vetting these issues opened my eyes to the importance of the SRG, which is tasked with reviewing these stock assessment reports for NMFS. So in February, I attended my first SRG meeting. It was another eye opening experience. Of the two and a half days that the SRG met, I estimate that at least a day and a half were dedicated to updates and reports from NMFS. In contrast, I estimate that five hours were dedicated to reviewing 54 stock assessments: 22 Atlantic marine mammal assessments and 32 Gulf of Mexico marine mammal assessments. As you can imagine, the schedule to review the stock assessment reports was tight, and the group was not able to delve deeply into any of these reports. The SRG reviewed the right whale assessment and was ready to move on after raising only a few minor points. I raised my hand to get clarification on the inconsistencies within the PBR calculation that I had identified. As it turns out, SRG members had not realized that there were inconsistencies. They quickly came to a consensus to advise NMFS to change it. If NMFS accepts this advice, the PBR for right whales will increase. The other big surprise was the membership of the SRG. The MMPA clearly specifies that the SRG consist of individuals with expertise in marine mammal biology and ecology, population dynamics and modeling, commercial fishing technology and practices, and stocks taken by Native Americans. It further states that the Secretary of Commerce seek to achieve a balanced representation of viewpoints among those individuals. But the New England commercial fishing industry was not represented on the SRG. In fact there was no representation from an active fisherman working in areas that overlap strategic stocks. The commercial fishing industry was represented by a university professor who works on conservation engineering and by a member of the mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council. In addition to many well-qualified university scientists, the Humane Society, which frequency sues NMFS over marine mammal issues, also has a seat on the SRG. This experience has been enlightening and I am grateful that I have a much stronger understanding of all the pieces that contribute to our whale rules. But clearly we have a lot of work to do. On behalf of MLA, I will be preparing a letter to NMFS outlining the association’s concerns with regard to the SRG meeting that I attended, and raising questions about some of the data and assumptions in the right whale and humpback whale stock assessment reports, as well as issues surrounding the membership of the SRG. MLA will demand accountability from this process – we need to gain confidence that the marine mammal stock assessments contain accurate information. My role as director of the MLA puts me in the position of representing the Maine lobster industry on management issues. I draw from my own knowledge, experience and instincts to help guide decisions. But what makes the MLA special is that I have an active board of 24 lobstermen from across the state who challenge ideas, ask questions and demand accountability from the system. This feedback is bolstered even more by our robust and diverse industry. We certainly have a long way to go on the whale issue and MLA will continue its diligence in representing Maine lobstermen in all aspects of the management process. Right whales are still highly endangered and the mandate to implement new rules to reduce the risk posed to them remains. But we are making progress and Maine’s voice is growing stronger. As always, stay safe on the water. Join at 50% off for half year membership TheMaineLobstermen’sAssociationadvocates forasustainablelobsterresourceandthe fishermenandcommunitiesthatdependonit. Tradition*Leadership*Fairness*Collaboration MLAMembershipApplication HARVESTERMEMBERS BUSINESSMEMBERS *receiveanMLAhat **providenamesoffamilymemberstobeincludedinmembership BusinessName:_____________________________ Highliner*:$175$88 Regular:$100$50 Family**:$150$75 over65/under18:$50$25 BusinessHighliner:$250$125(boldinnewsletterdirectory) Business:$125$63 Contact:___________________________________ FRIENDOFTHEMLA Friend:$50$25 Address:___________________________________ Name:_____________________________________ Town:_____________________________________ Address:___________________________________ State:_____________Zip:___________________ Phone:_____________800#:_________________ Town:______________State:_____Zip:_________ Email:_____________________________________ VesselName:_______________________________ Phone:_______________Cell:_________________ Email:_____________________________________ Website:___________________________________ DISCOUNTS—Yes!OurBusinesswillofferdiscountsfor goodsorservicestoMLAmembers.(pleasedescribe): ___________________________________________________ License#:____________Zone/District:_________ ADDITIONALCONTRIBUTION SPECIALOFFERS Contribution$_______________ Pleaseconsideranadditionalcontribution tosupportMLA’simportantwork (includeaseparatecheckpayabletoCFN) MLALEGALDEFENSE $18.75…...CommercialFisheriesNews MLA’sLegalDefenseFundisdedicatedtopayinglegalexpensesassociatedwithHogan&Hartson’sprobono representationofMLAonwhalesandotherissues LegalFundDonation$_____________(includeaseparatecheckpayabletoMLALegalDefenseFund) Payby:Check__________Visa_________MasterCard_________TotalAmount:$__________ Card#:__________________________________________ExpirationDate:__________ CardValidationNumber(last3digitsonsignaturestriponbackofcard):______________ Signature:__________________________________________________________________ March 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION Helping U.S. seafood sales expand abroad By John Connelly, President, National Fisheries Institute L ike cousins who live apart, the National Fisheries Institute and Maine Lobstermen’s Association don’t talk as often as we should. Even though our interests align and we can support each other, we are not in regular enough conversation to know when to ask each other for a hand. So here is a start. NFI is the leading voice for the seafood community in the U.S. Located just outside of Washington, D.C., we are a non-profit organization that educates the public, media and government on the importance of fish and seafood. Our members, who catch, cultivate, process, distribute, import, and export, collectively represent every stop seafood makes on its journey from water to table. NFI also works to promote a strong positive image for iconic, domestic seafood. . . .Our mission is to protect and promote the interests of each member as well as the greater concerns of the seafood community. One service we provide is to ensure that members have the proper information, advice, and support to successfully navigate both domestic and foreign markets. U.S. seafood companies exported 2.7 billion pounds of seafood in 2010, a value of $4.4 billion. Along with salmon and surimi, lobster was one of the most heavily exported species, with over fifty million pounds exported. When a business exports, it enters into a labyrinth of regulations and potential trade barriers. NFI understands the nuances of foreign trade and the complex overlap between industry and government. In the past, we have worked closely with members and foreign regulatory bodies to eliminate unnecessary commercial obstacles and pave the way for the smooth transaction of seafood products. As an example, as recently as 2009, the European Union (EU) threatened to ban all U.S. scallop exports in a dispute over shellfish safety inspection. Such a ban would have jeopardized a $150 million export market and severely injured American scallop companies. NFI recognized this crisis and worked closely with EU wholesale 3 Guest Column scallop importers to foster a dialogue with EU governments that stressed the ban’s consequences for European consumers and their relationships with American exporters. NFI’s coordination and persistence helped prevent an EU ban on scallops. A similar situation for American lobster companies could soon be on the horizon. Recently, Asian food authorities have started rejecting shipments of Maine lobster because of the toxicity of lobster tomalley. The FDA released an advisory in 2008 against consumption of lobster tomalley (incredible, because my parents and eightyfive year old aunts and uncles ate it every night at our John Connelly is the summer home by the Ogunquit Footbridge Beach). The president of the National warning, however, applies only to the tomalley itself and Fisheries Institute in not to lobster meat. Because tomalley toxins do not affect Washington, D.C. lobster meat, these recent lobster rejections seem preemptory and unfounded. In such scenarios, NFI provides members with valued assistance. When false or misused information threatens to weaken a product’s credibility, we make certain that the rejecting foreign authorities have the best possible information and most recent studies available in making their decisions. In addition, we participate in public information campaigns to ensure that the consumer is well-informed on the issues and makes healthy, educated choices about their seafood diet. While maintaining close relationships with foreign importers, NFI also works to promote a strong positive image for iconic, domestic seafood. Because the ocean’s eco-system is so complex, the seafood community’s activities sometimes create unintended impacts. In these moments, NFI helps its members educate the media and consumers about our commitment to sustainability. Our mission is to protect and promote the interests of each member as well as the greater concerns of the seafood community. By facilitating business-government cooperation abroad and strengthening seafood’s image at home, NFI makes every effort to marry sound science and committed seafood companies with receptive markets. Partnership with our Maine lobster cousins is always welcome. 4 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION March 2012 Landings continued from page 1 1990s, when Wilson was a graduate student at the University of Maine, he and other biologists would dive to measure lobster density along the coast. “In western Maine we would find a lobster under just about every rock,” he recalled. “But not in eastern Maine.” Now, Wilson continued, there’s a lobster under every rock just about everywhere along the coast. The difference between western and eastern Maine has disappeared. What’s even more interesting is that, while western Maine has not seen the great increase in landings that has occurred in eastern Maine, it hasn’t seen a decrease in landings either. “Western Maine has been at a high density for quite some time and we’ve not seen a population crash there,” Wilson said. also a good year [for settlement],” he said. So this record-breaking haul of lobsters is a good thing, right? After all, the lobster harvest brought more than $300 million to Maine last year. The problem comes from the fact that lobstermen and the communities in which they live are increasingly dependent on this high level of landings. Biologists aren’t worried about the lobster population crashing, they are worried about what even a modest decrease in landings might do to the state’s fishermen. “The lobster resource has been such a runaway train that it has raised expectations,” Wilson said. “If the landings drop to 50 million then there will be chaos, but the resource would still be doing pretty good.” “The lobster resource has been such a runaway train that it has raised expectations. If the landings drop to 50 million then there will be chaos, but the resource would still be doing pretty good.” Some have speculated that there will be a natural limit to the ever-increasing population due to overcrowding on the bottom. Wilson said that such a scenario is unlikely. Because the waters in eastern Maine are well mixed, meaning that the water temperature is nearly the same from the ocean surface to the bottom, lobsters have a lot of territory suitable for them to live. “There’s lots of space for them,” Wilson confirmed. Furthermore, there haven’t been major population changes among the species that prey on lobster, such as cod or other groundfish. “We are not seeing an influx of predators to the nearshore areas that could take a chunk out of the population,” Wilson continued. Given the status that lobster now has within Maine’s economy, the lobster monitoring programs run by DMR have even greater importance, according to Wilson. “They are essential because they allow us to have a window into the future. If you have multiple indices saying the same thing, that’s pretty good confirmation,” he said. The department runs a port sampling program to collect catch and effort information directly from lobstermen; a sea sampling program to gather biological data on lobsters caught by lobstermen; and a settlement survey at fifty sites along the coast, among other programs. The settlement survey indicates that there was good settlement of juvenile lobsters all along the coast from 2005 to about 2009, Wilson explained. “Those lobsters are working their way through the population. 2011 was ® Marine Power SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON ALL NEW COMMERCIAL ENGINE PURCHASES Model C7 / Tier II C9 / Tier II C12 / Tier II C18 / Tier II HP 460 500 660 / 700 855 Discount $1,000 $1,500 $1,500 $2,000 For details and a price quote, please contact Stewart Tuttle at 207-885-8082. www.miltoncat.com Maine lobstermen are hauling in record-breaking landings of lobster. But what happens when the huge landings start to drop? Ellin Hale photo. March 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 5 New DMR Marine Patrol officers join the force By Sarah Paquette T Saco to Cape Elizabeth, and Derek Jacobs covering Cape Neddick to Wells. Hopefully they stick around,” Henderson said. Fessenden realizes that some positions in the bureau have been cut permanently and that there won’t be the same number of Marine Patrol officers as there have been in the past. “That won’t change unless the economy changes,” he said. Nevertheless, he is glad to have new officers filling open positions and said they currently have more people enrolled in the MCJA. “The people we have hired are good-quality people,” said Fessenden. “They’ve shown enthusiasm and dedication.” BROAD COVERAGE t COMPETITIVE RATES AND BROAD COVERAGE t COMPETITIVE RATES RAT A ES AND BROAD COVERAGE t COMPETITIVE RATES RAT A ES AND BROAD COVERAGE Smithwick & Mariners Insurance Agency We are a full-service independent insuran insurance ce agency providing personal, commercial, commercial, business & marine insurance. t VERY RY COMPETITIVE LOBSTER BOAT PROGRAMS t 8JEF3BOHFPG1BDLBHF0QUJPOT 8JE 3 G1 L 0 UJ t /FX7FTTFM0MEFS7FTTFM*ODMVEJOH8PPE Construction - we can obtain coverage for any well maintained boat We specialize in Lobster Boats, Draggers, Scallopers, Gillnetters, Boat Builders, Marinas and more. 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DMR photo. t COMPETITIVE RATES RAT A ES AND BROAD COVERAGE t COMPETITIVE COMPE RATES AND BROAD COVERAGE t COMPETITIVE RATES AND COMPETITIVE RATES AND COMPE he Marine Patrol Bureau, like many state agencies in recent years, has faced some hefty budget cuts. “We’ve seen a financial impact, but that’s really out of our control,” said Colonel Joe Fessenden, chief of marine law enforcement at the Department of Marine Resources (DMR). “The government decides where to make cuts; there’s no discretion.” He said it has been many years since anyone in his office has gotten a raise. “But it’s a good job. You just need to keep it in perspective,” he said. For coastal communities that have seen a reduced number of officers, the Marine Patrol recently hired three new officers. In May, 2011, Brent Chasse graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy (MCJA) in Vasselboro and is now the officer for Deer Isle and Stonington. In December, 2011, two more officers graduated: Owen Reed, officer for coastal towns between Bremen and South Bristol, and Derek Jacobs, officer for towns from Cape Neddick to Wells. Fessenden said people might be surprised to learn that there are not many applicants for marine patrol positions. “If we find eight people who are qualified, we’re lucky. They go through quite an evaluation process [before taking the job]. They are checking us out as much as we check them out. Then at the end, if a couple people take the job, we’re really lucky,” he said. Being a Marine Patrol officer is not an easy job; it takes people with certain skills to be successful. “Some people come in and try to work the same hours and same routine every day, but that’s not effective. It’s not shift work,” Fessenden explained. “It’s a way of life. Our officers work in the community where people depend on them for information and safety. It’s a partnership.” Zone G lobstermen in southern Maine have felt the lack of Marine Patrol officers in their area. “The wardens in the area (York County) get over worked because they have to cover more than their area,” explained Jim Henderson, head of the Zone G council. “In the past you had to call them or you wouldn’t see them. If they didn’t hear from you, they thought everything was fine.” He said the addition of one new officer and the return of another from military commitments has been a good thing for his zone. “Every area in Zone G now has an officer. There are the ‘new’ guys, Mitch Bailey covering Cape Porpoise to Biddeford, Carl Vickerson covering 6 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION March 2012 Maine Lobstermen’s Association Board of Directors: Jay Smith, Nobleboro, & Gerry Cushman, Port Clyde By Sarah Paquette J ay Smith, 68, remembers wanting to become more engaged in the MLA when there was a lot of controversy about trap limits, limiting licenses, and changing the gauge size. “Ed Blackmore was there when I became a director,” he recalled. “It was mostly the trap limit that made me want to be more involved.” Smith was elected to the board in 1990. “I’ve been [with the MLA] for over 40 years,” he said. “I’m there watching the young guys now.” Smith, who fishes off Criehaven, strongly believes that more people should be involved in the decision-making process of lobster management. He Jay Smith of Nobleboro. said that the best way for people to be involved is to join the MLA. “When people see what’s going on [with the industry] and see what the MLA has done for us, they should see how beneficial becoming an MLA member is,” he said. Smith said it’s sometimes difficult to answer all the questions he’s asked about changes in the industry. “People ask me because they know I’m a director, but it’s hard to answer because they are choosing not to get involved themselves. Everyone has their reasons for not joining, but it’s easier to just pay the membership dues,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of good directors over the years,” Smith said. “I’m not a big participator [at meetings], but we have a lot of heavy participants. They usually say what I’m thinking before I get a chance to speak up.” It’s hard for Smith to attend meetings throughout the year since he fishes on an island and is getting older. “I’m probably the oldest director. I haven’t been there the longest, but I’m the oldest,” he said cheerfully. Gerry Cushman, 42, of Port Clyde, was elected to the MLA Board of Directors just a few months after becoming a member of the MLA. “Tad Miller and I attended a meeting about five years ago and they had two seats to fill. At the following Fishermen’s Forum, we were voted in. I had just become a member. It all happened in about six months,” Cushman said. He has enjoyed his time on the board and has especially liked getting to know the other directors and learning how they fish up and down the coast of Maine. “Fisheries are different from Cutler to the midcoast and from the midcoast to Kittery,” he said. Cushman said that getting to know people through the MLA has helped him in other leadership positions. Cushman represents Zone D on the Lobster Advisory Council (LAC). “Being on the MLA Board of Directors definitely helps me on the LAC,” he said. “I get more opinions from the MLA from different zones and more direction to represent my zone.” Cushman does even more than sit on the LAC and serve as an MLA Director. “I also have two groundfish permits. And two young kids. It makes it hard to get to all the meetings,” he said. Some weeks Cushman finds himself at a meeting every night. “If I’m not at a lobster meeting, I’m at a groundfish meeting. If I’m not at a groundfish meeting, I’m at a co-op meeting,” he said. He does his best to attend as many meetings as he Gerry Cushman of Port Clyde. can, noting that it is very important to Doug Cotnoir photo. stay involved and to know what changes the industry is facing. “If you’re not involved, you can’t help direct things. You can’t complain about it if you’re not involved,” Cushman said. March 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION New Recruit 7 A good year coming for Beals Island man By April Gilmore A braham Beal has held a lobster license since his first year in elementary school, so at the young age of 26, he has some experience under his belt. “My dad got my student license for me when I was in kindergarten. I used to fish 35 traps out of a skiff. My whole family fishes. I’ve been out on the boat with my dad for as long as I can remember,” he explained. Born and raised on Beals Island, Abraham attended the local elementary school and Jonesport- Beals high school where he played basketball and fished in his spare time. After high school, he attended a semester at Eastern Maine Community College to study to be an electrician, but decided his real passion in life was working on the water. “My mom thought it was a good idea for me to go to school. I always had good grades, so I tried it out,” he said. “It was a good experience.” Beal hauls a full gang of 800 traps. At this time of year he steams anywhere from seven to 25 miles offshore. Through the years he has worked his way up from a small skiff to a 20-foot boat, then to a 38-foot boat, and now fishes with pride from his 45-foot boat, Whit’s End. His new vessel is special for two reasons: it is named for his fiancée and he brought the boat home the day after Christmas, 2011, making this past holiday one that he won’t forget. Abraham fishes year round and obtained his federal permit from a family friend when he was 18. “My mother knew an older gentleman at our church who owned Abraham Beal lobsters from Beals Island and is the proud owner of a new 45-foot vessel. Photo by Whitney Proctor. Abraham on his new boat, soon to be named Whit’s End. Photo by Bethanie Beal. amount of lobsters on the bottom. As long as we can get paid for them, we should be okay,” he said. Abraham is proud to fish from Beals Island and has respect for his fellow fishermen. One person who has made a particularly lasting impression is MLA director and fellow Beals resident, Dwight Carver. “Dwight told me he was driving back from an MLA meeting one time, trying not to fall asleep. So he said to me ‘you know, I’d like to have someone on this ride with me. Would you like to go sometime?’” Abraham replied with a quick yes. “Any knowledge I can get to better myself in this industry, I’m for it. There’s no one better to learn from than Dwight. He’s a great guy,” Abraham said. In his spare time Abraham enjoys hunting, especially for partridge, and riding his ATV. He lives in the house he built on Beals Island with his fiancée, Whitney Proctor, and their golden retriever puppy Motley, who is named after one of his favorite rock bands, Motley Crue. Abraham has a bright year ahead – his wedding in September, a new boat on the water and his sights on a good fishing season. Plus he plans to enter the Moosabec Reach lobster boat race this summer. “I think I can win for the class I’m in. There will be a lot of big boats going fast down the reach. I don’t really care if I win or not, I just want to throw some water!” Abraham said with a laugh. a permit so she spoke to him about what he planned to do with it. He was ready to let it go to another fisherman, so he did me a favor and sold it to me,” Abraham explained. He has been a member of the Jonesport-Beals co-op for five years. “I love everything the co-op is about. My father is a member there, too,” Abraham said. When asked what he uses for bait, he paused and said with a chuckle, “It’s a secret.” He sells his lobsters wherever he can get good bait. Abraham also occasionally sells to local bait dealer Galen Alley, explaining “I like Galen. He always has good redfish.” In spite of his young age, Abraham has seen plenty of changes in the industry. “I was telling my sternman the other day, I wish I could go back to the spring I was a senior in high school,” Abraham admitted. At that time he was fishing from his 20-foot outboard skiff named for his grandmother, the Joyce L. “I remember it being really cold one morning so I had to warm my hands on the muffler of the motor. I had 150 traps in the bay and hauled them by myself. That spring the price was ten bucks a pound, so hauling 100 pounds was a big payday then. The price isn’t like that today,” he said. Providing financing for... When asked about the challenges he faces u commercial fishing & seafood on the water Abraham responded without hesiu forest products tation, “Whale rope.” The cost of the whaleu agriculture & food safe rope and the dangers of fishing with it are u rural property frustrating, although he tries to make the best of it. “It is what it is. It’s what we have to do. AUBURN | 800.831.4230 You have to just grin and bear it,” Abraham PRESQUE ISLE | 800.831.4640 said. But there are still positive aspects to the farmcreditmaine.com Proud member of the Farm Credit System Maine lobster industry. “There is a ridiculous We understand your industry. We’re dedicated to your success. .75 mm Heavy Duty PVC/Cotton Construction Neoprene inner “Storm Cuff” for added comfort and protection Double welded seams Double snap system for extra wind and rain protection Pants have a second 35 mills layer of PVC coated nylon welded and riveted for extra wear resistance BBristol Bay® Designed for Professionals Colors – Orange and Forest Green Call (413) 522-7406 for a Free Sample (Registered businesses only, limit one per business) Available at Professional Marine Suppliers everywhere www.VikingWear.com or call (413) 522-7406 for more info 8 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION March 2012 Metinic Island lobsterman finds role in movie making We all know the clichéd vision of Maine lobstermen so popular in the general imagination: sturdy, taciturn, stoic about both the hardships and beauty integral to lobster fishing. They work hard, talk about engines and haulers, and when not fishing, are getting ready to go fish. Yet many if not most lobstermen have other, hidden talents. This article continues our series about Maine lobstermen who are not only successful fishermen but singers, poets, performers and artists. By Melissa Waterman R yan Post wasn’t a fan of movies as a child. “I’d fall asleep in them,” the Metinic Island lobsterman admitted. But today Post is one of three proprietors of an independent movie company whose first film, “Anatomy of the Tide,” is close to completion. Post, 39, is known to Maine residents and visitors as the host of ‘Maine Buggin,’ a 30-minute video explaining the world of lobstering. The lively video explores the basics of lobstering, from bait to the lobster boat races, in nine short chapters. It now is sold in fifty Maine stores and used in several school districts, according to Post. “I did Maine Buggin to promote the industry,” he explained. “I hated that no one had a clue about lobstering. All those tourists knew nothing.” As a result, he earned a new nickname: Captain Hollywood. “Yeah, they teased me alright,” Post said with a laugh. But now Post may be heading for the real Hollywood. With partners Joel Strunk and Daniel Stephens, Post completed filming Anatomy of the Tide this fall. To make this movie took luck, helpful connections and a powerful screenplay. “The movie is an emotional rollercoaster,” Post said with pride. “It’s a comedy, drama, romance, but mostly it’s a coming-of-age story.” The evolution of “Anatomy of the Tide” began fifteen years ago when Post, whose family has owned part of Metinic Island for more than three hundred years, was fishing around the island one summer. “A guy came up to my boat to find out where he could dive for urchins,” Post recalled. “Well, we hate urchins so I pointed out to him there, and there, and there!” The diver’s name was Joel Strunk, son of the Maine musician and actor Jud Strunk. Strunk was a commercial fisherman, lobsterman, and scallop fisherman. It didn’t take long before the two men became friends. Strunk also wrote movie screenplays. Some years later he ran into Post and asked him to read a screenplay that he had finished. Strunk’s screenplay had been a semi-fi- nalist in the 2010 Nicholls Fellowship competition, an annual contest held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Now Strunk, who had spent time in Los Angeles trying to get an earlier screenplay produced, wanted to make this movie in Maine, using Maine support and Maine people. “Joel’s father had produced a few albums,” Post explained. “Charles Kipps [a musician and writer] was on one of the albums. Then Kipps went on to write episodes for “Law and Order.” So Joel called him and arranged to meet him in New York City [where Kipps lives].” Kipps advised Strunk that, while the screenplay was very good, the likelihood he could get financing from Hollywood to make the movie was very slight. “He told him to go home and raise the money himself,” Post said. Lobsterman Ryan Post now finds himself a movie producer. So Strunk, Post and David Photos by Melissa Waterman. Stephens, a cinematographer who teaches at Maine Media College and lives in Tenants Harbor, decided to do just that. They formed a production company called Two Tides Entertainment and set out to raise one million dollars. “We went to FAME (Financial Authority of Maine) which gives a 40% tax credit to support manufacturing in Maine. We told them that we were a company whose product was a movie in Maine,” Post said. FAME officials agreed to extend the credit to investors in Two Tides. Individuals investing in the movie thus were allowed to take a 40% tax credit on their Maine taxes, a credit that could be spread over many years. “We raised $505,000 locally,” Post said. Investors include many lobstermen, trap builders, boat builders, and local residents. Post said that only four of the film’s investors are not local people. With Charles Kipps and later Tom Craig, retired vice-president of Universal Pictures, as producers and funds coming in, the three men sent the screenplay to a New York casting agent. During the summer of 2011, they assembled a thirty-five person crew, many of whom were drawn from the Maine Media Workshops. Stephens was hired as cinematographer and shooting locations scouted. In September, filming began in South Thomaston, Rockland, Tenants Harbor, Continued on page 14 Become a member! Join hundreds of other Maine lobstermen as a member of the state’s oldest fishing association. Be seen. Be heard. Be a MLA member Garbo depends on the hard work and stewardship of Maine lobstermen. Thank you ! 3RXQG5G32%R[+DQFRFN0DLQH SHWHG#JDUEROREVWHUFRP Call the MLA at 967-4555, or visit the web site at www.mainelobstermen.org to find out more. March 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 9 The strange history of lobster stew By Sandy Oliver gredients, for example, “Shrimp Creole,” “Swedish meatballs” or “One Egg Cake.” For a giddy little spell in the early 1900s, silly and not very revealing names like “Shrimp Wiggle,” “Pink Bunny,” and “Snickerdoodles” were very popular. That tenhe word stew conjures up a mental image of meat with potatoes, carrots, peas, dency has settled down in recent times to detailed recipe names like “Two-Toned corn, or turnips. Newcomers to Maine ordering a lobster stew from a restaurant menu are sometimes surprised to find before them a bowl of succulent pieces of Mashed Potatoes with Goat Cheese” which leave little to the imagination. So through time, our recipe names have shifted from the verb and adverb verlobster swimming in warm cream but with no veggies in sight. Have you ever wonsions (“to stew lobster” evolves into “stewed lobster”) to a noun and adjective form dered why our Maine lobster stew is even called stew, or why it is made the way it is? such as “lobster stew.” None of these titles give us a clue about what is in the item, Here is what happened. Lobster stew, oyster stew, scallop stew, even tomato stew are more about verbs though. Seafood stews in the 1700s were very likely than nouns. Two and three hundred years to be cooked seafood, warmed in butter with ago, recipe titles were as likely to reflect what wine or stock, with mace, cloves or nutmeg the cook did with the ingredients as what and sometimes thickened with bread crumbs. the resulting dish was called. In English and No cream. With the spicing and wine they American cookbooks during the 1700s, such were a good deal more flavorful than most as Hannah Glasse’s Art of Cookery, first pubmodern people are accustomed to. lished in 1747, we find many individual recipes While oyster stew calling for cream appears titled according to the process used: “to stew before the Civil War, a cream-based lobster oysters,” “to fry eels” while others name the stew seems not to have been considered an result, as in “a ragoo of eggs” or “buttered option at that time. In fact, seafood in milk shrimps.” does not really appear much at all. Even the One hundred years later, in the early 1800s, earliest chowders were waterbased, and milk American cookbook authors used more nouns was seldom added until after the 1840s. than verbs to describe recipes. Cakes, bread, In 1880, Maria Parloa wrote in her New pies -- both sweet and savory -- and soups Cookery Book that, “Canned lobster can be were usually titled with nouns, as in “pound used for cutlets, stews, curries and patties, can cake,” “muffins,” “pumpkin pie,” and “oyster be escaloped, or served on toast.” She gives soup.” Still, recipes instructing cooks about directions for “stewed” lobster: “The meat of how to prepare meat, fish, pickles, vegetables, a two-and-a-half pound lobster, cut into dice: and some desserts tended to use verbs in the No milk? No cream? How could it be a lobster stew? Photo courtesy of two tablespoons of butter, two of flour, one title: “to bake a shad,” “to pickle peaches,” and Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company. pint of stock or water, a speck of cayenne, salt “to mash turnips.” By mid-1800s most cookbooks dropped the prepositional phrase “to stew,” “to and pepper to taste. Let the butter get hot, and add the dry flour. Stir until perfectly bake” and so forth, and switched over to a past tense as in “stewed lobster,” “boiled smooth, then add the water, gradually, stirring all the while. Season to taste. Add the mutton,” or “potato balls fried.” Desserts were named with nouns and adjectives lobster; heat thoroughly, and serve.” Still no cream. By the 1890s one or two recipes for lobster stew show up with milk in them, but such as “apple pie” or “peach pudding.” These cookbooks established a pattern we are familiar with today, though modern recipe titles are very likely to add some classic New England cookbooks like Fanny Farmer’s Boston Cooking School Cookbook descriptive adjectives to tell where a recipe comes from or to elaborate on the in- do not even mention either lobster stew or stewed lobster, never mind whether it T Continued on page 10 Affordable health insurance for the “What Ifs” Insuring their families for six years. Health, Life, Disability, Medicare, Long Term Care If you live south of Belfast, call Gene Piken If you live north of Belfast, call Rick Williams If you live in Belfast, just call! Rick Williams Prospect Harbor, ME 04669 [email protected] Gene Piken !"#$ % genemegahealth@ roadrunner.com 10 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION March 2012 TAA workshops taking place again throughout spring T he Maine Lobstermen’s Association and the University of Maine Sea Grant are resuming workshops for the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program. Participants must complete 12 hours of training time before beginning their Initial Business Plans and can do so by attending workshops in person or by taking courses online at www.taaforfarmers. org. Upon completion and approval of the plan, participants will be referred to their business planning consultant who will support the participant as he or she works on the Full Business Plan. Space is limited. Please RSVP for each workshop by calling Sea Grant at 563-3146 x205, MLA at 207-967-4555 or email [email protected]. If you have not RSVP’d, please call the office before attending as meetings may be cancelled. Saturday, March 3 9:00 am - 10:15am Product Quality and Handling Maine Fishermen’s Forum Rockport, ME Thursday, March 15 Lobster Market Overview Gulf of Maine Research Institute 350 Commercial Street Portland, ME Saturday, March 3 10:30 - 11:45am Lobster Market Overview Maine Fishermen’s Forum Rockport, ME Tuesday, March 20 Alternative Enterprises University of Maine Machias US Route 1 Machias, ME Tuesday, March 6 Marketing and Branding University of Maine Machias Route 1 Machias, ME Wednesday, March 21 Marketing and Branding The Lincoln Street Center 24 Lincoln St Rockland, ME Thursday, March 8 Product Quality and Handling Gulf of Maine Research Institute 350 Commercial Street Portland, ME Thursday, March 22 Product Quality and Handling Ellsworth City Hall Auditorium Ellsworth, ME Thursday, March 29 Business Planning Ellsworth City Hall Auditorium Ellsworth, ME Tuesday, April 3 Business Planning Workshop University of Maine Machias US Route 1 Machias, ME Wednesday, April 11 Alternative Enterprises The Lincoln Street Center 24 Lincoln St Rockland, ME Thursday, April 12 Alternative Enterprises Gulf of Maine Research Institute 350 Commercial Street Portland, ME Tuesday, April 24 Alternative Enterprises Ellsworth City Hall Auditorium Ellsworth, ME Lobster stew continued from page 9 had milk or cream in it. They do, however, contain recipes for Lobster Bisque which resemble very closely the lobster stew we know today. A 1913 edition of Recipes for Seafood assembled and published by Boston seafood producers E.A. Rich Company, whose business it was to think up as many ways to use all kinds of seafood as possible, provided four lobster stew recipes by name, one of which is our milk or cream-based one. By 1949 the Fanny Farmer cookbook included a now-familiar cream and milk-based lobster stew. I’ll bet anything that lots of home cooks from the later 1800s through the middle of the 1900s prepared lobster stew just as they made oyster stew, using no recipe, because it was so very simple to warm up lobster in butter, then add milk or cream to the pan. In any event, in 1944 the poet Robert P. Tristram Coffin, who grew up in Brunswick, Maine, wrote a glowing report of his wife’s lobster stew with which she graced their dinner table through the early decades of the 1900s. Coffin provides details on how she assembled it, including handling all the shells, tomally, and meat. He speaks of milk, and rich cream. He says, “This is no ordinary stew, no curtain raiser to a feast. It is the whole business. The man who gets outside of two bowls of this potage is through eating for some hours, and he is a nobler man.” Oh, wait. Coffin adds, “Perhaps two sour pickles. Maybe two rounds of pilot bread. But no other fringes to this feast. This stew is all in all.” Who needs vegetables in a stew that is “all in all”? Sandy Oliver is a food historian and freelance food writer living in Islesboro, Maine. Her cookbook entitled Maine Home Cooking: 300 Recipes from Downeast Kitchens will be published in fall 2012 by Downeast Publishing. MLA Meetings: Lobstermen invited to give their thoughts on whales & lobster gear Workshop: Reverse Engineering Outreach: Interactions Between Whales and Lobster Gear The Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction held a reverse engineering workshop in 2011 that brought together a varied group of participants to review information pertaining to a series of entanglement cases in order to piece together the puzzle of how individual whales become entangled. MLA will host meetings in each zone to discuss current research on interactions between lobster gear and endangered whales. We are looking for feedback from lobstermen about future research projects that they think would add knowledge to the topic. Meetings will include an overview and summary on research conducted by the Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction. We will also discuss reverse engineering exercises, look at scar data and experimental rope research. MLA, in collaboration with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, is seeking feedback on a new computer modeling tool designed to forecast the risk of Maine lobster gear entangling right whale. The Forum workshop will present an overview of the 2011 reverse engineering workshop including background information on whales and an in-depth review of several individual whale entanglement cases. This workshop will provide participants an opportunity to conduct their own reverse engineering exercise. Using several of those case studies, workshop participants will be guided through a review of the gear retrieved. REVERSE ENGINEERING WORKSHOP Maine Fishermen’s Forum Samoset Resort Thursday, March 1st // 1:00 - 4:30 pm MEETING SCHEDULE 2/27 2/28 2/29 2/29 3/16 3/16 3/17 Machias: UMM Science Room102 8:30-12:30 am Bar Harbor: Town Office Auditorium 8:30-12:30 am Bucksport: Council Chambers 8:30-12:30 am Rockland: Lincoln Street Center 2:00-6:00 pm Boothbay: DMR Lab Large Conf. Room 8:00-12:00 am Yarmouth: Town Hall Community Room 2:00-6:00 pm Biddeford: McArthur Library Community Room 9:30 am-1:30 pm For more information contact MLA Whale Projects Coordinator, Heather Tetreault. [email protected] www.mainelobstermen.org March 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 11 Air freight continued from page 1 Belly load capacity of commercial planes in Bangor shrank dramatically after the attacks on September 11, 2001. Air travel dropped for several years afterward and the airlines compensated by reducing the number of seats available to passengers. How did they do that? By operating smaller planes. Caruso explained that companies such as United and Delta used to fly large passenger planes out of Bangor in the 1990s but that now only smaller companies traveling to less prominent hubs fly out of Bangor. “Seafood businesses turned to trucks to take their products to the major metropolitan areas [as that shift occurred],” he said. That’s just what Hugh Reynolds of Greenhead Lobster of Stonington does. “We go to Boston and to New York now,” he said. Greenhead uses Oceanair Inc., a Revere, Massachusetts freight forwarder that consolidates perishable shipments from many businesses and negotiates shipping rates with commercial airlines, to get its lobsters abroad. In fact, because Greenhead relies so heavily on air shipment of its millions of lobsters to Western Europe, Tawain, Singapore and Hong Kong, it has constructed a facility in Kittery in which to hold its live product for shipment. “A lot of live shippers have done that,” Reynolds added. Inland Seafood, another large seafood dealer, sends most of its product to Boston for shipping either abroad or to its home base in Atlanta, Georgia. Mike Domrad said that Inland Seafood also uses a freight forwarder to get its lobsters onto commercial airplanes. “We truck it down to Boston then the company delivers it to the airline itself. We have to tell them the exact number of boxes and the weight and then they reserve space on the plane, just like a seat,” he said. Commercial planes don’t like messy cargo so Inland packs its lobsters in special fifty pound boxes lined with plastic, each of which holds a Styrofoam cooler for the lobsters. “They run about $9 per box,” Domrad said. Atwood’s Lobster, now owned by the Mazzetta Corporation of Chicago, also moves a lot of lobster by air to Europe and Asia and soon to South America. Peter Fischer, head of international sales at the company’s Spruce Head office, said that shipping from Portland wasn’t even on his radar. “We go down to Boston for all our air freight. There just aren’t enough options in Portland or Bangor,” he explained. He too noted that before September 11 there were more and larger commercial planes using both airports. “After that the airlines changed to smaller planes and lessened the capacity for freight cargo,” Fischer said. All three companies have received Transportation Safety Authority (TSA) approval to certify their shipments for transport. Atwood’s has a special room in which its shipments are packed. “We have to have yearly trainings, a secure facility and special materials,” Fischer explained. “Or you can have it done by the airlines themselves but that requires an extra two hours before the flight.” So what’s happening in Canada? According to Geoff Irvine, head of the Lobster Council of Canada, seafood companies face similar constraints in air transport of lobster. “We have very limited wide body air freight capabilities out of Halifax so we bring in charters. Lobsters are sent to Toronto and Montreal, even Boston and New York City,” he explained via e-mail. “We have added hassles at the border, state laws on size, much longer transit in the truck, and mortality to deal with so thankfully we pack our very best and it works most of the time.” This pattern is beginning to change with the opening of a new storage facility at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The Gateway facility, which opened in June, 2010, is a 40,000 square foot building with 7,000 square feet of temperature-controlled cargo space and direct access to the airfield. Its Web site boasts that it can move live product from refrigerated storage space to an aircraft in less than two minutes. “It is a fantastic facility that allows for temperature-controlled transfer of product to in- The new Gateway facility at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport moves Canadian seafood from a termperature-controlled storage area directly onto air cargo planes. Photo courtesy of Gateway. coming freighters, FedEx and others and has improved quality handling for live products,” Irvine said. Matt Lewis, cargo manager at Gateway, listed six freight forwarders -- KWE-Kintetsu, DSV, PC Forwarding, Worldwide Perishables, Clearwater, OEC -currently operating out of the facility. Seafood comes to Gateway from throughout Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. “Most of our big planes are 767s or 757s that fly into JFK [in New York] then continue to Halifax then depart for Europe,” he explained via email. “As for weight, last year we shipped out roughly 4.2 million kilograms (9.25 million pounds) worth of seafood.” Such a facility might be a long-time coming to Maine. In the mid-2000s the Bangor airport contracted for a study of air freight opportunities for perishable items from Maine producers. The results were not encouraging. “First off, it’s more expensive to ship to Europe [from Bangor] than by trucking [to other airports],” said Caruso. “Then it’s hard to dedicate an aircraft to that on a routine basis. Plus, the question remained: is there enough perishable product?” Given the sharp increase in lobster landings in the state over the past decade, perhaps soon the answer might just be “yes!” now in our new shop at 137 Pleasant Hill Rd, Scarborough - Kits, Cages, Complete Traps - Rolls of Wire in Stock - Distributor of Fitec Twine -100’s of trap kits in stock -Traps built the way YOU want - Aquamesh & Cavatorta Wire Trap specials available on Web site www.searosetrap.com The Maine Import-Export Lobster Dealers’ Association supports Maine’s hardworking lobstermen and women. Maine’s lobster industry is poised to expand and prosper. MIELDA will be working with you to see that happen during these tough economic times. We’ll see you at the Show! MIELDA * PO Box 10228 * Portland, ME * 04104 (207) 774-6562 12 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION ACCOUNTANTS Williams CPA Group LLC PO Box 839 Rockport, ME 04856 207-236-8781 March 2012 Purse Line Bait 32 Bakers Wharf Rd Sebasco Estates, ME 04565 207-389-9155 [email protected] Chase Leavitt & Co. 72 Commercial St. Portland, ME 04112 ·207-772-6383 [email protected] www.chaseleavitt.com Superior Bait and Salt Glenn Hall 21 Balsam Lane Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 207-372-8925 Pete’s Marine Electronics 101 Washington Rd Waldoboro, ME 04572 207-350-2500 AUTOMOTIVE Eastern Tire & Auto Service 70 Park St Rockland, ME 04841 207-594-5250 www.easterntireinc.com Harold C Ralph Chevrolet Steve Ralph PO Box A Waldoboro, ME 04572 800-310-5321 [email protected] Hews Company LLC 190 Rumery St South Portland, ME 04106 207-767-2136 / 800-234-4397 [email protected] www.hewsco.com Island Fishing Gear & Auto Parts PO Box 292 Stonington, ME 04681 207-367-5959 [email protected] Morrison Chevrolet/Fisher Plow Distributor 121 Downeast Highway Ellsworth, ME 04605 877-523-6118 www.morrisonchevrolet.com Newcastle Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep 573 Rt. 1 Newcastle, ME 04553 207-563-8138 / 888-944-5337 [email protected] www.newcastlemotorcars.com 15% off parts and service Weirs Motor Sales Inc 1513 Portland Rd Arundel, ME 04046 207-985-3537 [email protected] www.weirsgmc.com BAIT DEALERS Alfred Osgood PO Box 358 Vinalhaven, ME 04863 207-863-2518 [email protected] Bessy Bait LLC 155 R Batchelder Rd Seabrook, NH 03874 603-300-2846 / 603-300-2849 [email protected] www.bessybait.com Bait Man Co. LLC Al West PO Box 69 Prospect Harbor, ME 04669 207-632-7267 [email protected] Cape Porpoise Lobster Co Inc 184 Beachwood Ave Kennebunkport, ME 04046 207-967-0900 [email protected] www.capeporpoiselobster.com Channel Fish Co 370 East Eagle St East Boston, MA 02128 617-569-3200 [email protected] Lunds Fisheries Inc. David Brand 997 Ocean Dr. Cape May, NJ 08204 609-884-7600 [email protected] www.lundsfish.com O’Hara Corportation 120 Tillson Ave Rockland, ME 04841 207-594-0405 [email protected] Worcesters Lobster Bait Bruce Worcester 259 Bowden Point Rd Prospect, ME 04981 207-469-7585 [email protected] BOAT BUILDERS/BOAT REPAIR SW Boatworks Stewart Workman 358 Douglas Highway Lamoine, ME 04605 [email protected] www.swboatworks.com Wesmac Custom Boats PO Box 56 Surry, ME 04684 207-667-4822 [email protected] www.wesmac.com 2% discount on fiberglass components DOCUMENTATION SERVICE Coastal Documentation 111 Dennision Rd Spruce Head, ME 04859 207-596-6575 [email protected]; www.coastaldocumentation.com Northeast Marine Survey, Inc PO Box 231 Bailey Island, ME 04003 207-833-0954 [email protected] www.northeastmarinesurvey.us 10% off the commercial rate EDUCATION AND TRADE SHOWS Diversified Business Communications PO Box 7437 Portland, ME 04112 207-842-5500 [email protected] www.divbusiness.com Mount Desert Oceanarium PO Box 696 Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 207-288-5005 [email protected] Free admission to commercial fishermen and their families Maine Fishermens Forum PO Box 288 Bath, ME 04530 [email protected] Midcoast Marine Electronics 532 Main St. Rockland, ME 04841 207-691-3993 www.midcoastmarine.com Sawyer & Whitten Marine 416 Commericial St Portland, ME 04101 207-879-4500 Sawyer & Whitten Marine 118 Tillson Ave Rockland, ME 04841 207-594-7073 www.sawyerwhitten.com [email protected] FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT SERVICES Damariscotta Bank & Trust Co 25 Main St Damariscotta, ME 04543 207-563-8121 [email protected] www.damariscottabank.com Farm Credit of Maine ACA 615 Minot Ave Auburn, ME 04210 207-784-0193 800-831-4230 [email protected] www.farmcreditmaine.com Maine Financial Group Jim Amabile 15 Pleasant Hill Rd Scarborough, ME 04074 207-885-5900 800-974-9995 [email protected] Seafood.com News 8 White Pine Lane Lexington, MA 02421 781-861-1441 [email protected] WD Matthews M 901 Center Stree Auburn, ME 042 207-784-9311 jgreven@wdmat www.wdmatthew Hamilton Marine 155 E Main St Searsport, ME 04974 207-548-2985 Vessel Services I 1 Portland Fish P Portland, ME 04 vesselservices.com,v 100 Fore St. Portland, ME 04101 207-774-1772 Viking Wear Nat Dillenback 46 S. Prospect S Miller Falls, MA 413-522-7406 www.vikingwear 20 Park Dr. Rockland, ME 04841 207-594-8181 / 800-639-2715 [email protected] www.hamiltonmarine.com Discounts for MLA members Island Fishing Gear & Auto Parts PO Box 292 Stonington, ME 04681 207-367-5959 [email protected] Jeff ’s Marine, Inc 2 Brooklyn Heights PO Box 236 Thomaston, ME 04861 207-354-8777 [email protected] Logtek Inc Tim Bourque & James Roy (ME sales) Box 98, RR 2 Tusket, NS BOW 3M0 Canada 207-510-1763 / 888-840-1089 [email protected] [email protected] Maine Coast Petroleum, Inc PO Box 295 Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 207-372-6962 [email protected] Rockland Savings Bank Harry Mank 582 Maine Street Rockland, ME 04841 207-594-8465 www.rocklandsavingsbank.com Midcoast Marine Supply 153 New County Rd Thomaston, ME 04861 207-594-0011 [email protected] www.midcoastmarinesupply.com The First PO Box 940 Damariscotta, ME 04543 207-563-3195 / 800-564-3195 [email protected] www.thefirst.com Neptune Inc 39 Slater St Attleboro, MA 02703 508-222-8313 / 800-642-7113 [email protected] www.neptune-inc.com FISHING, MARINE & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES All Points Marine PO Box 543 Narragansett, RI 02882 401-284-4044 [email protected] www.apmco.us Discounts available to MLA members 207-442-7700 [email protected] Penobscot Marine Museum 5 Church St Searsport, ME 04974 207-548-2529 Show your MLA card for free entry Guy Cotten, Inc 782 South Water St New Bedford, MA 02740 508-997-7075 / 800-444-6050 [email protected] www.guycottenusa.com Bath Lobster Supply 340 State Rd, Suite B West Bath, ME 04530 207-386-3225 www.brookstrapmill.com buoysticks.com 3628 Turner Ridge Rd Somerville, ME 04348 207-549-7204 [email protected] www.plantebuoysticks.com Neptune Marine Products Inc PO Box 2068 Port Townsend, WA 98368 206-789-3790 www.neptunemarineproducts.com New England Marine & Industrial Inc. 200 Spaulding Turnpike Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-436-2836 / 800-492-0779 [email protected] www.newenglandmarine.com Blackmore Electronics Blaine Blackmore PO Box 82 Stonington, ME 04681 207-367-2703 Chase Leavitt & Co. 72 Commercial St. Portland, ME 04112 207-772-6383 [email protected] www.chaseleavitt.com Grundens USA Ltd PO Box 2068 Poulsbo, WA 98370 360-779-4439 / 800-323-7327 [email protected] www.grundens.com Coastal Hydrauli PO Box 2832 Seabrook, NH 0 603-474-1914 sales@coastalhyd 10% discount on al Cushing Diesel, L 26 Spear Mill Rd Cushing, ME 04 354-0600, cell 54 diesedave6312@ Hews Company 190 Rumery St South Portland, M 207-767-2136 / 8 [email protected] www.hewsco.com Lonnie’s Hydrau 227 Middlesex R Topsham, ME 0 207-725-7552 Marine Hydraulic 17 Gordon Dr Rockland, ME 0 207-594-9527 marinhyd@midc INDUSTRY ORGANIZA Gulf of Maine L PO Box 523 Kennebunk, ME 207-985-8088 er Island Fishermen PO Box 293 Stonington, ME 207-367-5579 ifw Island Institute PO Box 648 Rockland, ME 0 207-594-9209 x1 rsnyder@islandin 10% off all service repairs Maine Import/Exp PO Box 10228 Portland, ME 04 207-775-1612 lobsters@newme www.mainelobste Polyform US 7030 S 224th Kent, WA 98032 253-872-0300 [email protected] www.polyformus.com Maine Lobster P 2 Union St. Portland, ME 04 207-541-9310 mlacroix@lobste www.lobsterfrom Superior Marine Products Inc 15 Murray Drive Raymond, ME 04071 207-655-4492 [email protected] www.superiormarineprod.com Maine Port Auth 16 State House Augusta, ME 04 207-624-3560 john.h.henshaw www.maineport North Atlantic Power Sam Profio 15 Continental Dr. Exeter, NH 03833 603-418-0470 [email protected] ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT Bell Power Systems Inc. Bob Tokarczyk 34 Plains Rd Essex, CT 06426 860-767-7502 / 800-225-8669 www.bellpower.com HYDRAULICS All Points Marin David Allard 330 Great Island Narragansett, RI 401-284-4044/80 [email protected] ww March 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 13 Highliner business members are noted in BOLD. Machinery Co et 210-6456 Maine Sea Grant 5784 York Complex, Bldg 6 Orono, ME 04469 207-581-1435 [email protected] www.seagrant.umaine.edu Bayleys Lobster Pound PO Box 304 Scarborough, ME 04070 207-883-4571 [email protected] www.bayleys.com nc. Pier 4101 207-772-5718 [email protected] Penobscot Bay & River Pilots Assn Jeffrey Cockburn 18 Mortland Rd. Searsport, ME 04984 207-548-1077 [email protected] Beals Jonesport Coop Inc. PO Box 195 Jonesport, ME 04649 207-479-2020 [email protected] St. A 01349 Penobscot East Resource Center PO Box 27 Stonington, ME 04681 207-367-2708 [email protected] www.penobscoteast.org BBS Lobster Trap 188 Pettegrow Point Rd Machiastport, ME 04655 thews.com ws.com r.com e d Rd I 02882 00-682-2628 ww.apmco.us INSURANCE Allen Insurance and Financial Chris Guptill 34-36 Elm St., PO Box 578 Camden, ME 04847 207-263-4311 [email protected] www.alleninsuranceandfinancial.com ics Inc 03874 d.com ll in stock items. LLC d 4563 42-5399 @yahoo.com. Atlantic Insurance & Benefits 58 High St Belfast, ME 04915 207-338-9787 / 800-948-1457 [email protected] www.atlantic-insurance.com Chapman & Chapman PO Box1030 Damariscotta, ME 04543 207-563-3143 / 800-370-3143 [email protected] LLC ME 04106 800-234-4397 om m ulic Inc Rd 04086 c Engineering Co Inc The Compass Insurance Group Paul Miner PO Box 880 Waldoboro, ME 04572 207-790-2300 [email protected] www.lobsterboatinsurance.com InSphere Insurance Solutions Rick Williams PO Box 74 Prospect Harbor, ME 04669 207-963-4111 [email protected] 04841 coast.com TIONS Lobster Foundation E 04043 [email protected] Smithwick & Mariners Insurance 366 US Route One Falmouth, ME 04105 207-781-5553 800-370-1883 [email protected] Discounted vessel insurance for MLA members. Additional 5% discount if Coast Guard-approved Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor course completed within 5 years. n’s Wives 04681 [email protected] 04841 42 nstitute.org port Dealers Association LEGAL SERVICES Doyle & Nelson 150 Capitol St Augusta, ME 04330 207-622-6124 [email protected] www.doylenelson.com Howard and Bowie Clayton Howard PO Box 460 Damariscotta, ME 04543 207-563-3112 4104 eadowslobster.com erdealers.com Promotion Council Nicholas H Walsh PA PO Box 7206 Portland, ME 04112 207-772-2191 [email protected] www.nicholas-walsh.com 25% off hourly, flat fee to MLA members 4101 erfrommaine.com mmaine.com hority Station 4333 [email protected] ts.com LOBSTER/SEAFOOD/WHOLESALE/RETAIL Atlantic Edge Lobster 71 Atlantic Ave Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 207-633-2300 [email protected] Atwood Lobster Co PO Box 202 Island Rd Spruce Head, ME 04859 207-596-6691 www.atwoodlobster.com Fishermen’s Heritage Lobster Coop PO Box 359 Friendship, ME 04547 207-832-6378 Lobster Products Inc 64 Tidal Falls Rd Hancock, ME 04640 207-422-6238 [email protected] Friendship Lobster Coop PO Box 307 Friendship ME 04547 207-832-4435 Lund’s Fisheries David Brand 997 Ocean Dr. Cape May, NJ 08204 609-884-7600 [email protected] www.lundsfish.com Garbo Lobster PO Box 334 Hancock, ME 04640 207-422-3217 [email protected] Calendar Islands Maine Lobster LLC 6A Portland Fish Pier Portland, ME 04101 207-541-9140 Georgetown Fishermen’s Coop 89 Moores Tpke Georgetown, ME 04548 [email protected] www.calendarislandsmainelobster.com Glens Lobster Co 12 Abner Point Rd Bailey Island, ME 04003 207-833-6138 [email protected] Canobie Seafoods, Inc 1077 Bar Harbor Rd Trenton, ME 04605 207-667-2250 [email protected] Cape Porpoise Lobster Co Inc 184 Beachwood Ave Kennebunkport, ME 04046 207-967-0900 [email protected] www.capeporpoiselobster.com Captain Dutch Lobster Co. PO Box 393 South Thomaston, ME 04858 207-596-7655 [email protected] Chrisanda Corp. 9 Ferry Rd Lewiston, ME 04240 800-448-7663 [email protected] Conary Cove Lobster Co Inc 83 Conary Cove Rd Deer Isle, ME 04627 207-348-6185 Cooks Lobster House PO Box 12 Bailey Island, ME 04003 207-833-6641 [email protected] www.cookslobster.com Corea Lobster Cooperative PO Box 99 Corea, ME 04624 207-963-7936 [email protected] Cozy Harbor Seafood Inc PO Box 389 Portland, ME 04112 207-879-2665 [email protected] www.cozyharbor.com Craig’s All Natural 25 Winecellar Rd. Durham, NH 03824 603-397-5331 [email protected] Cranberry Isles Fishermens Coop PO Box 258 Islesford, ME 04646 207-244-5438 F W Thurston Co Inc PO Box 178 Bernard, ME 04612 207-244-3320 Finest Kind Scenic Cruises PO Box 1828 Ogunquit, ME 03907 [email protected] www.finestkindcruises.com Graffam Brothers Seafood Market PO Box 340 Rockport, ME 04856 207-236-8391 [email protected] www.lobsterstogo.com Hannaford Brothers 145 Pleasant Hill Rd. Scarborough, ME 04074 207-833-2911 [email protected] Holden Seafood Corporation 93 E 7th Street New York, NY 10009 212-387-8487 [email protected] www.lukeslobster.com HR Beal & Sons Inc 182 Clark Point Rd Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 207-244-3202 [email protected] www.bealslobster.com Interstate Lobster Inc PO Box 269 Harpswell, ME 04079 207-833-5516 Island Seafood, LLC 32 Brook Rd Eliot, ME 03903 207-439-8508 [email protected] ‘Keag Store 4 Elm St, PO Box 76 S. Thomaston, ME 04858 207-596-6957 Kent’s Wharf 31 Steamboat Hill Swans Island, ME 04685 207-526-4186 [email protected] Kips Seafood Co 117 River Rd Cushing, ME 04563 207-354-8997 Lake Pemaquid Inc PO Box 967 Damariscotta, ME 04543 207-563-5202 [email protected] www.lakepemaquid.com Linda Bean’s Maine Lobster PO Box 368 Rockland, ME 04841 207-975-2502 [email protected] www.LindaBeansMaineLobster.com Little Bay Lobster Inc 158 Shattuck Way Newington, NH 03801 603-431-3170 [email protected] www.littlebaylobster.com Millers Wharf Lobster LLC PO Box 486 Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 207-372-8637 Muscongus Bay Lobster 28 Landing Rd Round Pound, ME 04564 207-529-2251 [email protected] www.mainefreshlobster.com New England Fish Co. Suzannah Raber, Gage Ashbaug 446 Commercial St. Portland, ME 04101 207-253-5626 [email protected] www.raberfisheries.com New Harbor Co-op Linda Vannah PO Box 125 New Harbor, ME 04554 207-677-2791 [email protected] Orion Seafood International 20 Ladd St. Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-433-2220 [email protected] Pemaquid Fishermen’s Coop PO Box 152 New Harbor, ME 04554 207-677-2801 [email protected] PJ Lobster Company Alan Leck, Jonathan Seavey 399 Northern Ave Boston, MA 02210 617-946-2930 [email protected] www.pjlobster.com Port Clyde Fishermen’s Coop PO Box 103 Port Clyde, ME 04855 207-372-8922 Port Lobster Co Inc PO Box 729 Kennebunkport, ME 04046 207-967-2081 [email protected] www.portlobster.com Portland Shellfish Co, Inc 92 Waldron Way Portland, ME 04103 207-767-1625 [email protected] www.pshellfish.com Post Brothers Inc PO Box 541 Rockland, ME 04841 207-594-5824 Quahog Lobster Inc 5 Lobster Lane Harpswell, ME 04079 207-725-6222 [email protected] Ready Seafood Hobson’s Wharf Portland, ME 04112 207-541-3672 [email protected] www.readyseafood.com Seafood Contract Brokers, LLC 30 Western Ave, Suite 206 Gloucester, MA 01930 978-515-7683 [email protected] www.seafoodrisk.com 14 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION Seaview Lobster Co PO Box 291 Kittery, ME 03904 207-439-1599 [email protected] www.seaviewlobster.com March 2012 MARINE ENGINES All Points Marine PO Box 543 Narragansett, RI 02882 401-284-4044 [email protected] www.apmco.us Discounts available to MLA members Sea Hag Seafood 48 Wallston Rd. Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 207-691-5391 [email protected] Shengfei Trading Co. Anson Chen 11974 Lebanon Rd, Suite 124 Cincinnati, OH 45241 718-313-8294 [email protected] www.yimail68.com Bell Power 34 Plains Rd. Essex, CT 06426. 860-767-7502/800-255-8669 [email protected] Milton Cat PO Box 960 Scarborough, ME 04070 207-833-9586 [email protected] North Atlantic Power Sam Profio 15 Continental Drive Exeter, NH 03833 603-418-0470 [email protected] www.northatlanticpower.com Shucks Maine Lobster 150 Main St, Suite 4 Richmond, ME 04357 207-737-4800 [email protected] www.shucksMaine.com Northern Lights/Lugger 8 Connector Rd Andover, MA 01810 978-475-7400 / 800-762-0166 [email protected] www.northern-lights.com Spruce Head Fishermen’s Coop 275 Island Rd South Thomaston, ME 04858 207-594-7980 Stonington Lobster Coop PO Box 87 Stonington, ME 04681 207-367-2286 [email protected] NEWSPAPERS Commercial Fisheries News PO Box 600 Deer Isle, ME 04627 207-348-1057/800-989-5253 [email protected] Discounted annual subscription Swans Island Fishermens Coop PO Box 116 Swans Island, ME 04685 207-526-4327 [email protected] Vinalhaven Fishermens Coop 11 Main St, Box 366 Vinalhaven, ME 04863 207-863-2263 [email protected] Weathervane Seafoods Inc 31 Badgers Island West Kittery, ME 03904 207-439-0920 www.weathervaneseafoods.com Winter Harbor Fishermen’s Coop 23 Pedleton Rd. Winter Harbor, ME 04693 207-963-5857 [email protected] Fishermen’s Voice PO Box 253 Gouldsboro, ME 04607 207-963-7195 National Fisherman 121 Free St. Portland, ME 04112 Discounted annual subscription PROPELLERS Accutech Marine Propeller Inc. 24 Crosby Rd Unit 6 Dover, NH 03820 603-617-3626 [email protected] www.accutechmarine.com Nautilus Marine Fabrication, Inc. 13 Industrial Way Trenton, ME 04605 207-667-1119 [email protected] New England Propeller Inc. 9 Apollo Eleven Rd Plymouth, MA 02360 508-747-6666 [email protected], www.neprop.com SALT Maine Salt Company 677 Coldbrook Rd Hermon, ME 04401 207-848-3796 [email protected] www.mainesalt.com REAL ESTATE Megunticook Real Estate Ed Glover 19 Birds Loop Rd Owls Head, ME 04854 207-504-7606 [email protected] www.coastalmainere.com TRAP BUILDERS STOCK & SUPPLIES Branch Brook Farm Ralph Dean 26 Sawmill Lane Thomaston, ME 04861 207-354-8123 [email protected] REFRIGERATION SERVICES Applied Refrigeration Services 7C Commons Avenue Windham, Maine 04062 207-893-0145 [email protected]; www.appliedrefrigeration.com $250 off new installations Brooks Trap Mill 211 Beechwood St Thomaston, ME 04861 207-354-8763 [email protected] RESTAURANTS Barnacle Billys Inc PO Box 837 Ogunquit, ME 03907 207-646-5575 [email protected] www.barnbilly.com Eaton Trap Co Inc 12 Birchwood Rd Woolwich, ME 04579 207-443-3617 [email protected] Bowdoin College Dining Services 3700 College Station Brunswick, ME 04011 207-725-3432 [email protected] Cod End, LLC Susan Miller PO Box 224 Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 207-372-6782 [email protected] www.codend.com 10% off Cook House and Market Friendship Trap Company 570 Cushing Rd Friendship, ME 04547 207-354-2545 800-451-1200 [email protected] www.friendshiptrap.com Discounts from 5 -10% for MLA members. Portland Trap 26-28 Union Wharf Portland, ME 04101 800-244-8727 [email protected] www.brookstrapmill.com Newick’s Hospitality Group, Inc 431 Dover Point Rd Dover, NH 03820 603-742-3205 www.newicks.com Sea Rose Trap Co 137 Pleasant Hill Rd. Scarborough, ME 04074 207-730-2063 [email protected] www.searosetrap.com Phil’s Lobster Roll Shop Shelly McLellan PO Box 578 Boothbay, ME 04532 The Clam Shack Steve Kingston PO Box 6200 Kennebunkport, ME 04046 207-967-3321 [email protected] www.theclamshack.net SAFETY TRAINING McMillan Offshore Survival Training PO Box 411 Belfast, ME 04915 207-338-1603 [email protected] www.mcmillanoffshore.com Superior Bait and Salt Glenn Hall 21 Balsam Lane Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 207-372-8925 TRUCK REPAIR/LEASING Cushing Diesel, LLC 26 Spear Mill Rd Cushing, ME 04563 354-0600, (c) 542-5399 [email protected]. Howling Hill Transportation PO Box 20 Bucksport, ME 04416 207-460-0134 [email protected]. Wa2much Trucking Greg Holmes PO Box 354 Tenants Harbor, ME 04860 542-9606 [email protected] Ryan Post continued from page 8 120 Tillson Avenue Rockland, ME 04841 Phone: (207) 594-4444 Fax: (207) 594-0407 Marine Radio VHF Channel 9 and 18 Journey’s End offers a complete array of marine services at our secure, clean and professionally maintained facility. Gas and diesel, slip and mooring rentals, minor and major repairs -- and the best boat transport services in Maine. W a proud CAT, Cummins, Iveco and Yanmar marine diesel dealer. We’re !"#"$ % Need something? Just ask. &' Owls Head and Thomaston. The company had enough money to do a thirty-day shoot, no more. “It was a very tight schedule and a pretty amazing experience. These guys were all professionals,” Post said. “They realized how this movie was funded and why it is important and really put themselves in it.” The next step in this creative process is to hire a skilled movie editor and shape the movie into its final form. The three men intend to enter the film in the Sundance Film festival next fall, thus it must be completed by October. Post thinks that Anatomy of the Tide could be an Oscar contender. But more than that, it is a reflection of the men’s strong belief in the movie’s story. Post, who worked as an extra in the HBO film Empire Falls and independent movie In the Bedroom, also finds his experiences in the world of movies a growth experience. “I just like doing things that people think I can’t do,” he explained with a big grin. March 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 15 Lobster bait is big business in Maine By Shelley Wigglesworth T here is no doubt that the multi-million-dollar lobster bait industry in the state of Maine plays a substantial role in Maine’s economy. Bait prices average from 29 cents per pound for fresh salted herring upwards to 59 cents per pound for frozen bait from other parts of the world. Rawhide bait costs even more. “Records indicate that there are 104 wholesale seafood license holders with the herring endorsement,” explained Ann Tarr, licensing supervisor for the Department of Marine Resources (DMR). “This represents those dealers buying herring directly from the harvesters.” Only fifteen of those companies have headquarters outside of Maine. While most of the bait dealers are reluctant to reveal their bait sources and none were willing to comment on just how much money the bait business generates, they did share their feelings about the pros and cons of the Maine lobster bait industry. With the exception of a few large-scale dealers dotting the coast, many of Maine’s bait businesses are of the mom-and-pop variety, employing only a handful of workers. Glenn Hall of Superior Bait and Salt in Tenants Harbor said, “We’re just a small family-run business. Ninety-nine percent of the work is done by me, my wife and the kids.” Wyatt Anderson of O’Hara Bait Corporation in Rockland believes his company may be one of the larger non-artificial bait dealers in Maine when it comes to salted, delivered and barreled bait. O’Hara’s bait business employs three full-time workers year-round and adds up to three part-time workers in the summer months. Supply is not an issue: O’Hara owns two of its own herring boats, Sunlight and Starlight. “They presently pair trawl for herring but they are able to seine for herring as well,” Anderson said. He feels that bait remains promising as a Maine business. “The bait is good. We have it here and can get it if we don’t. My main concern is government regulations making it harder,” he said. Since 2006, the New England Fisheries Management Council has reduced the amount of herring that can be landed from the inshore herring resource (Area 1A) by more than 40% and from the offshore resource (Area 3) by 24%. Atlantic herring has long been the most important source of bait for the Maine lobster industry, comprising 70% of the bait supply in 2008. Atlantic menhaden came in a distant second, accounting for 19% of the bait supply, followed by redfish which accounted for only 4%. Atlantic menhaden, which is managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, will see a 37% reduction in harvest in 2013 compared to 2010 landings. Chuck Baker Jr. of Bessy Bait LLC, a rawhide bait dealer in New Hampshire, does not have full-time paid staff. “I have no employees. I pay any help on a contracted basis,” he said. Baker has seen a steady increase in sales of rawhide bait. “As the prices of fish bait and fuel prices fluctuate, more people have come to rely on rawhide bait. Yes, it is more expensive but it lasts longer and it is readily available,” he explained. “Every time the price of bait goes up, we make less money, period,” said Tobin Seawell, who lobsters out of Vinalhaven. He and other lobstermen share a constant concern about rising bait prices. “Herring is said to be becoming obsolete [as bait], which sucks, but rockfish and pogies or carp, those are pricey,” Seawell commented. Another factor influencing the rising price of all bait is the increased cost of fuel. Bait, whether caught in Maine or in other states, needs to be transported If there’s no bait --- no lobsters! Beau Warring photo. to the dealers. Some bait dealers estimate the fees associated with transporting bait can add 10 to 15 cents per pound more to the cost. “Just like the lobstering industry, the bait industry is also affected by rising fuel costs. The high price of fuel affects everything we do,” Anderson added. According to the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, bait prices have skyrocketed in recent years. In 2011, herring averaged $33 per bushel (.41 per pound) compared to $25 per bushel (.31 per pound) in 2009. And Continued on page 20 MLA Members Discount Directory MLA Members! Present your MLA membership card at the following business and receive generous discounts! All Points Marine National Fisherman Accutech Marine Propeller Newcastle, ME -- 15% off all parts and service, not to be combined with other offers Naragansett, RI -- discounts available for MLA members Dover, NH -- 20% off propeller repair; discounts for new propellers, shafting and hardware Applied Refrigeration Services Discount on annual subscription Newcastle Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep Northeast Marine Survey Windham, ME -- $250 off new installations Harpswell, ME -- 10% off commercial rate Coastal Hydraulics Penobscot Marine Museum Seabrook, NH -- 10% discount on all in stock itemss Searsport, ME -- Free admission for MLA members Commercial Fisheries News Smithwick & Mariners Insurance Falmouth, ME -- Discounted vessel insurance; additional 5% Friendship Trap Company with proof of completion of FishFriendship, ME -- Discounts of 5% to 10% depending on product ing Vessel Drill Conductor course within 5 years. Hamilton Marine Portland / Rockland / Searsport -- Wesmac Custom Boats Surry, ME -- 2% discount of Discounts vary by product Mount Desert Oceanarium Southwest Harbor, ME -- Free admission for commercial Discount on annual subscription 16 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION March 2012 Harvard educator talks about staying safe on land and sea By Holly Eaton, Penobscot East Resource Center F rom buoy paint to toxins in rope, fishermen put themselves at risk of harm every season. In January they got a chance to learn important safety information at the Penobscot East Resource Center in Stonington. The presentation about health, toxics and toxins by Ann Backus, an educator at the Harvard School of Public Health, was part of Penobscot East’s six-part Winter Series. Backus talked about hazards fishermen encounter in their workshops. The first distinction she made was about the difference between toxins and toxics. A toxin is a poison that is produced by a living thing such as jellyfish or rattlesnakes. A toxic substance is a non-living element, such as chemicals and compounds. Backus then jumped right into risk identification. Even though a fisherman can’t see these microscopic particles, “What’s breathed into the lungs stays in the body!” she warned. These air-borne toxic substances can result in inflammation of airways and alveoli, damage to airway cells, constriction of airways (sometimes causing “You have bacteria having lunch on the algae in your rope. When the rope dries, the bacteria die and release a toxin into your breathing space.” asthma), fibrosis of lung cells. In addition, the ultra fine particles can pass from the lungs to other parts of the body such as the heart. Fishermen in the audience were surprised to hear that working with rope in the shop can be hazardous. “You have bacteria having lunch on the algae in your rope. When the rope dries, the bacteria die and release a toxin into your breathing space,” Backus explained. Researchers at the School of Public Health have measured air in lobstermen’s work- shops registering 30-70 times the toxic level. The symptoms caused by breathing in the dust from the dried rope include not feeling well, feeling as if you have a cold but don’t, and a cough or shortness of breath. One solution mentioned by Backus is to put rope in a hot tank with bleach when it’s brought in, which will kill the toxins. Toxics lobstermen encounter in the shop come from the paints Harvard School of Public Health educator Ann Backus urged lobsterthey use, particularly daymen to wear vapor cartridges when painting. Holly Eaton photo. glo paint. Backus showed the audience how to read the back of the paint cans and how to read Material Safety Data (MSD) sheets. Although MSD sheets are not immediately supplied when paint is purchased, they are required by OSHA and should be readily available upon request. The MSD sheet is the best way to find out the product’s level of VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds. The higher the level, the higher the risk that the user will suffer eye, ear, nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even damage to the liver and the central nervous system. Fishermen should look for VOCs in paint of 200 grams per liter or less. When painting, always wear a fit-tested mask with an organic vapor cartridge. Additionally, Backus recommends ventilating the workshop with a fan much like you might have in your kitchen, which is typically rated at 500-600 cubic feet per meter (CFM). The higher the CFM rating, the stronger the fan or air compressor works to ventilate the air. Backus proceeded to test the airways of members of the audience using a peak flow meter to assess how well their lungs were functioning. The resulting ranges, which are dependent on the age, gender and height, can be used to determine whether the person has been exposed to toxic materials. All of the participants’ levels appeared to be within healthy ranges. Backus said that for one participant, she could only estimate his range because her chart stopped at age 70. The person was a very healthy 88-year-old man! Backus then asked for a volunteer to demonstrate putting on a safety suit. The audience quickly volunteered one of the youngest fishermen in the room, who admitted that it had been nearly eight years since he had tried one on. Nevertheless he donned the suit like a pro in 65 seconds with just one significant problem: he got his hood stuck inside the suit and required assistance to get it unstuck. Backus urged all present to take charge of their own health both on land and at sea. For those interested in learning more about the Harvard School of Public Health or would like to contact Ann Backus, visit www.hsph.harvard.edu or email [email protected]. Stonington fisherman Ben Weed in his survival suit time-trial prompted a good discussion about proper donning techniques. Holly Eaton photo. Seacoast Lobster Band Company PO Box 1472 Manchester, MA 01944 Plain and printed lobster bands Telephone 1-800-830-1856 Cell 978-317-5154 Yes, that’s right, we’ve gone social! And we want you to be our friend. Join our lively community at www.facebook.com/ mainelobstermen Thank you All Maine, Trap to Table ? Are yours ? ? Over 4 million pounds bought in 2011. Only from Maine boats. March 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 17 Legislative Update T he second regular session of the 125th Maine Legislature convened on January 4. Bills introduced in the second regular session are limited by the Constitution of Maine to budgetary matters, Governor’s legislation, emergency bills approved by the Legislative Council, legislation submitted pursuant to authorized studies and legislation submitted by direct initiative petition of the electors. Therefore, there are generally far fewer bills heard in the second session compared to the first session. Below is a summary of legislative activities of interest to the lobster industry as of February 24. The Marine Resources Committee held a confirmation hearing on Governor LePage’s nominee for DMR Commissioner, Patrick Keliher, on January 24. Carlisle McLean from the Governor’s Office presented the nomination to the Committee. Mr. Keliher provided testimony on his background and vision for the future of the department and Maine’s coastal communities. Members of the Committee asked a series of questions concerning how the Commissioner would balance issues of resource sustainability and economic viability and rebuild trust between fishermen and the Department. The nomination was strongly supported by a broad array of fishing industry representatives including the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, Midcoast Fishermen’s Association, CHOIR; processors including Live Lobster and Shucks; and many individual fishermen. There was no testimony in opposition to the nomination. The Marine Resources Committee voted unanimously to support Mr. Keliher’s nomination. Mr. Keliher’s nomination was supported by the Senate and he was sworn in by Governor LePage on January 26. Keliher, of South Gardiner, has served as Deputy Commissioner since July and Director of the Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat within DMR since 2007. Prior to joining DMR, Keliher served as Executive Director of the Atlantic Salmon Commission and Executive Director of the New England States of the Coastal Conservation Association, Greater New England. Keliher has also served as a licensed Coast Guard Captain and is a Registered Maine Guide. LD 1609 An Act To Ensure the Safety of Bait Used in Maine’s Fishery was introduced as a result of investigations initiated by the Lobster Advisory Council to ensure the safety of Maine’s bait supply. There are already two laws in place that affect bait use dealing with alternative bait and offal. The DMR requires that “alternative bait”, defined as any bait that does not naturally originate from the ocean, be labeled to clearly lists all ingredients contained in the bait, in descending order of volume, including binders and chemicals or other agents used to remove hair from bait hide. The labeling must appear on all product packaging that is utilized by the manufacturer for sale to the lobster or crab industry in Maine. Current law also prohibits the use of offal as bait to fish for lobster or crabs. “Offal” means the carcass, waste parts, renderings or remains of a wild or domesticated animal that is not a marine organism, but does not include animal hide from which the hair has been removed. Offal includes bait products from freshwater sources. LD 1609 proposes to give the Department of Marine Resources the authority to develop new regulations to develop a list of approved freshwater species for use as bait, and a list of marine species which are not approved for use as bait. Any rules which allow or prohibit the use of particular baits must list the location from which it is harvested. The Legislature approved LD 1609 on February 15 as an emergency measure. LD 1709 An Act To Amend the Limited-entry Program for Taking Lobsters in the Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area was submitted as a result of discussions between the DMR and Monhegan lobstermen. This bill proposes to change the limited-entry program for taking lobsters in the Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area by 1) limiting the number of traps per registered individual to 400; 2) allowing a person who holds a federal lobster permit and Monhegan Area trap tags to take lobsters from the offshore Area 3 lobster management area; 3) limiting the number of individuals who may obtain Monhegan Area trap tags to 17; 4) allowing noncommercial lobster and crab fishing license holders who do not hold a commercial lobster license to fish for lobster in the Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area; 5) requiring the DMR Commissioner to maintain a waiting list of persons who have requested a Monhegan Island limited-entry lobster and crab fishing license and allowing persons on the waiting list to obtain Monhegan Area trap tags as they become available; and 6) eliminating the Monhegan Lobster Conservation Area apprenticeship program. The Marine Resources Committee voted Ought to Pass and reported this bill out on February 17. It is expected to be approved by the Legislature in late February. LD 1718, An Act To Improve Maine’s Capacity To Produce Low-cost Renewable Energy through Hydroelectric Power, has been referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. This bill proposes to prohibit the Department of Environmental Protection from permitting any activity that will result in a reduction in the potential of a dam to produce hydroelectric power at a cost that is economically competitive with other renewable sources of electricity unless DEP determines that the activity is necessary for public safety or to avoid a significant threat to the environment. This would effectively prohibit Maine DEP from approving any fish passage projects in Maine. The MLA provided testimony in opposition to this bill for the February 1 public hearing citing concerns that LD 1718 would make restoring sea run fish species much harder by preventing the requirement of fish passage at dams. The committee voted 12 to 1 Ought not to Pass. This bill has not yet been voted on by the full Legislature. LD 1654 An Act To Establish the Seafood Export Certification Program establishes the Seafood Export Certification Program with the DMR to allow the department, in conjunction with NOAA, to inspect and certify seafood and issue certificates of compliance necessary to meet international export standards. The bill received favorable public comment during the public hearing on January 19 but no vote has yet been taken. LD 1674 Resolve, Directing the Department of Marine Resources To Examine the Role of 3rd-party Laboratories in Conducting Testing for the Department was not approved by the Legislature and is now dead. Several bills carried over from last session have been considered. LD 1579 An Act to Amend the Lobster Promotion Council was reconsidered on January 10. The bill proposed to reorganize the Maine Lobster Promotion Council and require more marketing professionals to serve on its board. Bob Baines, chairman of the Lobster Advisory Council, informed the Marine Resources Committee of the LAC’s effort to develop an alternative to the Maine Lobster Promotion Council. The Marine Resources Committee voted unanimously ought not to pass, and the bill was killed on January 17. The LAC plans to have a proposal to improve marketing of Maine lobster later this spring. Several bonds aimed at investing in the natural resources-based economy will be considered during a public hearing by the Appropriations Committee on February 23. LD 111 An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Fund Large-scale Marketing and Research and Development for Bulk Sales of Maine Seafood Worldwide proposes a $3 million bond to market Maine seafood. LD 842 An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Support Research and Sustainable Development of Maine’s Natural Resources proposes a $50 million bond to fund research, development and commercialization of innovative technology that relies on the sustainable use of Maine’s natural resources such as forest and agricultural products and tidal and wind energy. LD 852 An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Support Maine’s Natural Resourcebased Economy proposes a $36 million bond to recapitalize the Land For Maine’s Future Program which includes $4 million for working waterfront preservation. It also proposes a $12 million bond for natural resource industry-based infrastructure improvements, including $2 million for commercial fishing infrastructure improvements. The outcome of these bonds are not likely to be decided until late spring as part of the state’s budget package which requires major funding cuts. 18 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION March 2012 Meeting Roundup Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission meeting The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission American Lobster Board met on February 7 and approved Addendum XVII to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. The Addendum establishes management measures for Lobster Conservation Management Areas 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (LCMAs) as the first step toward rebuilding the southern New England stock. The measures are intended to reduce fishing exploitation by 10% starting in July 2013. Pertinent to Maine lobstermen, LCMA 3, the offshore federal waters from Maine to North Carolina, will have a minimum size of 3-17/32” effective January 1, 2013. The most restrictive rule will apply to lobstermen who fish in multiple LCMAs, meaning that lobstermen fishing in multiple areas will be held to the most restrictive management measures of the areas identified on their permits. The Board also reviewed a working draft of Addendum XVIII, which is intended to scale the size of the southern New England lobster fishery to the size of the lobster resource. The board established a working group to clarify the goal of the document, possible trap banking, methods to measure trap reductions, and other issues. The draft Addendum will be presented to the board at the May meeting. ASMFC’s Shad and River Herring Board approved Sustainable Fishing Plans from the Delaware River Basin Fish and Wildlife Cooperative, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, and Georgia. The Board approved Recovery Plans from New Hampshire, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. The Board was briefed on Amendments under development by the New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC) and the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council that address shad and river herring bycatch in federal fisheries, among other issues. A working group will review and develop comments on NEFMC’s draft Amendment 5 when it becomes available in February. The board also elected Terry Stockwell of Maine Department of Marine Resources as board Vice-Chair. The Atlantic Herring Section met and discussed proposed federal adjustments to the 2012 Atlantic herring annual catch limits based on catch from the 2010 fishing season. The proposed quota adjustments would reduce the Area 1A and 1B Sub-ACL by 1,878 and 1,639 metric tons respectively based on overages from the 2010 fishing season. Total catch was calculated by comparing vessel trip reports with dealer landings and includes discards from other fisheries. NEFMC staff gave an overview of the Council’s draft Amendment 5 which proposes regulatory changes in four main areas—the fishery management program, catch monitoring at sea, measures to address river herring bycatch, and mid-water trawl access to groundfish closed areas. The public comment period on the draft amendmentis expected to be open through March and April, with the NEFMC selecting final measures at its April meeting. The Commission’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board approved the Public Information Document (PID) for Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden for public comment and review. The PID’s primary focus is to initiate discussion on achieving the new fishing mortality threshold for menhaden. The goal of the new reference points is to increase abundance, spawning stock biomass, and menhaden availability as a forage species. The PID also seeks public input on improvements to the catch reporting system and options for managing the commercial bait and reduction fisheries as well as the recreational fishery. Hearings will be held this spring to solicit public comments. The board then will meet in May to review submitted comments and identify measures to be included in the Draft Amendment. In August the board will meet to incorporate the results of the 2012 stock assessment update and to consider approving the Draft Amendment for public comment. Final amendment approval is anticipated for October, with plan implementation scheduled for 2013. Maine Lobster Promotion Council The board mete on January 27 via teleconference and February 3 in Hallowell. MLPC executive director, Dane Somers, presented an update on recent programs conducted by the MLPC. This included an overview of the MLPC’s primary initiatives over the past five years. In 2006, MLPC focused on branding Maine lobster and the Certified Maine Lobster Program. The following year was marked by the resignation of former director Kristan Miller and the hiring of Somers while programs focused on updating the MLPC website to reach an international audience. The price crash of 2008 lead the MLPC to reevaluate its programs and focus efforts on increasing demand, which continues as the Council’s primary strategy. Examples of programs geared to increase demand include the Fall Harvest Campaign which featured the “Get Cracking” television ad and retail promotions and a retail pilot program in Maine and parts of New England with Hannaford’s and Shaws. MLPC staff credit an increase in the boat price paid to fishermen during the fall period over the past few years to these promotions. The MLPC will have an expanded presence at the Boston Seafood Show in March 2012, with several companies sharing space with MLPC in its booth which it is callling the Maine Pavilion, and will include chef demonstrations and samples of Maine product. A Maine Lobster Reception is being organized to showcase Maine lobster products and provide a networking opportunity for Maine wholesalers to connect with buyers. The MLPC reviewed financials. The 2011 budget Continued on page 21 March 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 19 DMR Adjudication Report Nov. 11, 2011-Feb. 11, 2012 Last Name First Name Town LOBSTER WEB CO PROSPECT HARBOR KENNEBUNK LOBSTER CO KENNEBUNK LOBSTER CO BUTLER CARD CARD CHELSEA CARL COTE COTE MOUNT DESERT ELLSWORTH ELLSWORTH DITTMAR DITTMAR DITTMAR DITTMAR BICKFORD JOY MARVES MARVES JOHN JOHN JOHN JOHN JOHN PAUL RYAN RYAN SOUTHWEST HBR SOUTHWEST HBR SOUTHWEST HBR SOUTHWEST HBR VINALHAVEN SWANS ISLAND NORTH HAVEN NORTH HAVEN MERCHANT AMES LYONS MILLER BRUCE DAVID DEREK FRANK SULLIVAN OWLS HEAD LUBEC BIRCH HARBOR CIRONE DOW JACOB JAMES ADDISON OWLS HEAD BACKMAN RALPH BEALS KNOWLES CROWLEY SCOTT DONALD GOULDSBORO HANCOCK CARD BARRETT JEREMY NATHAN FRANKLIN BEALS LAWRENCE MARQUIS MARQUIS STEVEN ANTHONY ANTHONY KITTERY POINT ELIOT ELIOT CUNNINGHAM JONES CHARLES TIMOTHY MACHIAS STONINGTON ACHORN JONATHAN FRIENDSHIP CHELSEA Viol Description Adjud Date 05-Dec-2011 3800.00 G N 05-Dec-2011 1200.00 G N POSSESSION OF 11 V-NOTCHED/MUTILATED LOBSTER POSSESSION OF ONE SHORT LOBSTER MOLESTING LOBSTER GEAR VIOLATION OF GEAR RULE - NO BREAKAWAY ON BUOY POSSESSING 23 SHORT LOBSTERS POSSESSION OF TWO V-NOTCHED LOBSTERS SELLING 70 SHORT LOBSTERS SELLING TWO V-NOTCHED LOBSTERS POSSESSION OF 58 SHORT LOBSTERS FLOAT ROPE ON LOBSTER GEAR REGISTRANT NOT ONBOARD VESSEL LOBSTER/CRAB TRAP TAGS, UNDECLARED VESSEL HAULING TRAPS NOT REGISTERED TO BOAT WET STORAGE OF LOBSTER GEAR ONE UNTAGGED TRAP POSSESSION OF 8 V-NOTCHED FEMALE LOBSTERS LOBSTER FISHING WIHTOUT A LICENSE POSSESSION OF 4 V-NOTCHED FEMALE LOBSTERS POSSESSION OF ONE OVERSIZED LOBSTER GREATER THAN 5” POSSESSION OF 6 SHORT LOBSTERS POSSESSION OF 4 V-NOTCHED & MUTILATED FEMALE LOBSTERS MOLESTING LOBSTER GEAR POSSESSION OF ONE OVERSIZE LOBSTER GREATER THAN 5” FISHING NINE UNTAGGED LOBSTER TRAPS FISHING TWO 20-TRAP TRAWLS FISHING 32 LOBSTER TRAPS WITHOUT A VALID TAG MOLESTING LOBSTER GEAR LOBSTER FISHING BEYOND LINCENSE LIMITATIONS POSSESSION OF 19 UNDERSIZED LOBSTERS 05-Dec-2011 3400.00 G N 06-Dec-2011 03-Feb-2012 03-Feb-2012 600.00 G N DISM N DISM N 06-Jan-2012 06-Jan-2012 06-Jan-2012 06-Jan-2012 09-Jan-2012 29-Nov-2011 14-Nov-2011 14-Nov-2011 4600.00 700.00 G Y G Y DISM N DISM N 11600.00 250.00 250.00 250.00 G Y G N G N G N 29-Nov-2011 14-Nov-2011 05-Dec-2011 19-Dec-2011 100.00 250.00 250.00 DEF N G N G N NG N 05-Dec-2011 14-Nov-2011 500.00 900.00 DEF N G N 05-Dec-2011 600.00 G N 29-Nov-2011 13-Jan-2012 1200.00 900.00 G N G Y 03-Feb-2012 05-Dec-2011 500.00 600.00 G N G N 29-Dec-2011 01-Dec-2011 01-Dec-2011 310.00 200.00 250.00 G N G N G Y DISM N ǀĞƌƐŽŶŽƌĚĂŐĞtŽƌŬƐ/ŶĐŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞĚƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝnjĞƐŝŶƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚǁŚŽůĞƐĂůĞŵĂƌŬĞƚƐǁŝƚŚƚŚĞŚŝŐŚĞƐƚƋƵĂůŝƚLJƚǁŝƐƚĞĚĂŶĚďƌĂŝĚĞĚ ƚǁŝŶĞƐĂŶĚƌŽƉĞƐ͘ůůƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐĂƌĞŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌĞĚĂƚŽƵƌƉůĂŶƚůŽĐĂƚĞĚ ŝŶǀĞƌƐŽŶ͕tĂƐŚŝŶŐƚŽŶĂŶĚŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐƉĞĐŝĂůƚLJĐŽƌĚĂŐĞƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐĨŽƌ ƌĞĐƌĞĂƟŽŶĂů͕ŵĂƌŝŶĞ͕ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂůĂŶĚĐŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂůƵƐĞƐ͘ 09-Dec-2011 03-Jan-2012 277.00 G N 29-Dec-2011 2500.00 G N Membership has its benefits! Maine Lobstermen’s Association members • • 1\ORQ6HLQH7ZLQHV Susp. Flag POSSESSION OF 12 V-NOTCHED/ MUTILATED FEMALE LOBSTERS POSSESSION OF 1 EGG-BEARING LOBSTER ǀĞƌƐŽŶŽƌĚĂŐĞtŽƌŬƐ/ŶĐ 0DQXIDFWXUHURI4XDOLW\ Adjud Adjud Fine SUM Decision Code &RUGDJH3URGXFWV 5RSHV(YHUVRQ3UR 3RO\HVWHU&RUGDJH%UDLGHG&RUGDJH&DWOLQH&RUGDJH WƌŽĚƵĐƚƐĂƌĞĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƌĂƵƚŚŽƌŝnjĞĚĚŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŽƌĂƚ͗ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂůDĂƌŝŶĞDĂƌŬĞƟŶŐ͕ϮϴůĂŶĐŚĂƌĚWůĂĐĞ͕tĂŬĞĮĞůĚ͕Z/ϬϮϴϳϵ • receive the monthly MLA newsletter get discounts on marine equipment and services receive a weekly e-mail news blast on all things lobster. Become a member today and be a part of the oldest lobstering organization in the state. The MLA mission is to advocate for a sustainable lobster resource and the fishermen and communities that depend on it. 20 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION March 2012 So you want to know: Where do all these lobsters come from? By Sarah Paquette H ave you ever wondered where the lobsters you catch originated? The answer is probably more complicated than anyone would guess. At one point in time, the popular belief was that a brood stock offshore released eggs that drifted inshore to populate that area. Then, in the late 1990s, it was thought that eggs from downeast Maine drifted to Penobscot Bay and populated the midcoast region, while eggs from Penobscot Bay populated southern Maine, carried by the prevailing coastal currents. “We thought there was an easy answer: all these eggs just get swept away,” said Department of Marine Resources’ lobster biologist Carl Wilson. “However, new work shows it’s not as simple.” The University of Maine recently (2003-2007) conducted research to find out where lobster larvae go once they hatch. “We did a complete modeling study after more than a decade of intense field data was gathered by a number of scientists and students,” said Lew Incze, research professor at the University of Maine School of Marine Sciences. “We were trying to construct egg production patterns. We used three years of data from the Gulf of Maine and looked at female distribution, age, and size. We put these data into a model,” he said. The data put into the model was chosen because each of the three years showed different coastal current patterns. “Most movement is inshore to offshore. There is a brood stock offshore in deep water, but it is not significantly contributing to inshore stock because the coast current doesn’t run that way,” Incze explained. Once lobster eggs are released, there are four stages of larvae in the water column. During the last stage, the larvae are at the top of the water column, close to the surface. “Distribution is dependent on wind patterns, which do not favor inshore [settlement],” said Incze. “There are not a lot of larvae inshore from offshore. There are a few, but because the inshore population is so large and the number of larvae from offshore is so few, it really isn’t much of a contribution. However, the offshore stock could be important in the future.” “It’s hard to actually get in the water and follow larvae, so it’s hard to track them and know exactly where they are going,” said Eric Annis, assistant professor of biology at Hood Collage in Maryland. Annis conducted his graduate research at the Darling Marine Center in Walpole and contributed to the University of Maine study led by Incze. “There is potential for larvae to go far,” Annis said. “The headlands and islands slow water down, so there is more local production closer to shore.” While the water doesn’t actually change speed, the flow becomes more complex around the islands and headlands. “The energy is the same along the coast, but the average speed down the coast decreases because the energy is going in more directions,” explained Incze. Because of this, he noted, local production, or self recruitment, is more important in some lobster management zones than in others. “Some zones are bigger and convoluted in shape,” he said. “The tidal currents displace more larvae. In Zone A and in York County, the current is close to the coast. In between, there is more space for things to happen.” For instance, he said, Zone E is a relatively small zone on a short section of the coast and relies heavily on lobster larvae from zones upstream. Self recruitment is the lowest in Zone E. In contrast, Zone C has a high percent of larvae that are self recruited. This does not mean that all of the larvae in Zone C are locally produced, though. “At the highest rate of self recruitment, only about 50% of the larvae are locally produced. The other 50% are still coming in from other areas,” said Incze. BUYING USED FLOAT ROPE “The take away For more information message is that some areas do self recruitcall 207-832-0580 ment. But all areas or contribute some lar207-701-1243 CUSTOM CORDAGE Keep your traps fishing even when you can’t get to ‘em! Young lobsters may bear 5,000 eggs. Larger, mature lobsters may carry 50,000 eggs. Photo by Carl Wilson, DMR. vae to other areas,” said Incze. He points out that calculating how many larvae stay in an area and how many populate other areas is not an easy task. It’s difficult for scientists to know if there are low numbers of larvae in one area due to mortality or because the larvae have been caught up in the current and moved down the coast. Wherever they come from, the rate of survival for lobster larvae is low. “One percent of larvae make it to the bottom to settle, which doesn’t sound like many, but when lobsters are producing thousands of eggs, it works,” said Annis. He said that it isn’t only lobsters that have such low survival rates. ”A low survival rate is common in marine organisms. Humans have one or two or three offspring and put a lot of energy into raising them. Marine organisms put their energy into producing a lot of offspring and then they leave them,” Annis explained. Wilson said that a legal-size female lobster can carry around 5,000 eggs. “At maximum size, she could hold 50,000 eggs. It’s almost an exponential growth,” he said. Because the number of eggs she holds depends on the size of a lobster, it seems intuitive to protect offshore lobsters. Conserving large offshore lobsters appears to make sense as a source of abundant larvae, but Incze concludes from his research that such a hypothesis doesn’t necessarily hold true. “You might think it’s important because it is a good source of larvae,” he said. “It’s true, but where do the larvae go? If inshore production declined for some reason, it would be different. Offshore larvae are not presently important to inshore population, but could be in the future.” Bait business continued from page 15 it’s not just herring that is fetching a strong price. In 2011 the price for rockfish averaged .54 per pound, redfish .46 per pound, and pogies .33 per pound. Bait dealers and fishermen alike agree that continued access to the species that comprise lobster bait by local bait dealers and processors is the key to not only ensuring the availability of bait, but the availability of jobs and economic growth right here in Maine. “My biggest concern is the regulations hurting the bait business,” Anderson continued. “The government regulations dictate when, where, and how much herring we can catch. That makes it difficult to form any long-range plans. Other than that, everything else is pretty good.” hy-liner rope company All Natural Salted Hairless Cowhide LONG-LASTING and AFFORDABLE LOBSTER BAIT Available in 30 gal. drums or 5 gal. pailss SINK ROPE FLOAT ROPE www.bessybait.com Phone: 603.300.2846 or 603.300.2849 Email: [email protected] Bessy Bait is sold at our warehouse located at 155 rear Batchedler Rd., Seabrook NH 03874 Please call for HOURS and PRICING! Bessy Bait is also sold at all Brooks Trap Mill locations. Highest quality ropes made in Maine SuperSink • SteelLiner • EasyPull • Float Ropes Approved Maine Labeling hy-liner rope company st. george, maine March 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 21 Meeting Roundup continued from page 18 was $527,692 of which $375,692 was generated from industrylicense fees. The Council received an excellent independent accounting audit conducted by the firm of Purdy Powers and Company. Dane Somers informed the Board that a company doing business in Panama was using the MLPC logo as their own, and sought recommendations for law firms that could help MLPC with this copyright infringement. MLPC Chair Emily Lane proposed that the MLPC Board form 3 committees — Strategic Planning, Programs and Finance — as a means to more fully engage the board in strategic and programmatic initiatives, and provide greater guidance to MLPC staff. These committees will meet to discuss business in advance of the next board meeting and will serve to bring recommendations and issues to the full board. The MLPC Board held executive sessions to address industry concerns over the lack of confidence in the MLPC by the lobster industry. Scientific Review Group (SRG) During days two and three, the SRG reviewed 52 marine mammal stock assessment reports (SAR’s). The reports were divided amongst the SRG members who provided substantive comments or questions which need to be addressed in each report. Several of the SAR’s will be revised based on input from the SRG, including the PBR (potential biological removal) calculation for right whales. The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) specifies that the SRGs provide advice to federal managers on 1) the draft Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports before the reports are released for public comment; 2) abundance estimates, status, and trends of marine mammal stocks; 3) uncertainties in identifying stocks, assessing the status or trends of stocks, and evaluating factors affecting the distribution, abundance, or productivity of the stocks; 4) research to address these uncertainties regarding marine mammals and to reduce incidental mortality of marine mammals incidental to fishing operations; 5) issues related to habitats for marine mammals and the effects of natural or anthropogenic (human-caused) change to habitats; and 6) other issues that the groups or agencies deem appropriate. There are three regional Scientific Review Groups (SRGs): 1) Alaskan waters; 2) Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico; and 3) Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii. To review meeting summaries and other information on the SRG, visit: www. nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/group.htm The Scientific Review Group for Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico (SRG) marine mammal stocks met February 8-10 to review and provide advice on the status of right whales, 52 marine mammal Stock Assessment Reports, and NMFS marine mammal research, fieldwork and budget plans. The first day focused on right whales. It included presentations from NMFS on New England Fisheries Management Council development the right whale vertical line rule development and monitoring strategy, ship speed rules, critical habitat petition and gear research. NMFS also presented upThe New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) will be conducting dates on the status of right whale research including aerial surveys, acoustic surveys, public hearings to solicit comments on Draft Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring population metrics to determine right whale abundance and survival, serious injury Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Following these hearings, additional opportuniand mortality estimates and research priorities. ties for review and comment on Amendment 5 and its Draft Environmental Impact NMFS reported that several proposals are being assessed to address vertical line Statement may be provided. Meetings are being held in Maine on March 2 at the risk reduction. The draft rule is expected in 2013 and the final rule is scheduled for Maine Fishermen’s Forum, and March 21 in Portland at the Holiday In by the Bay. 2014. SRG members expressed concern that the right whale plan focuses too much See the Events calendar on page 23 for additional meeting dates. on gear modifications and too little on strategic closures. NMFS is implementing a monitoring plan to assess the effectiveness of the North Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. The primary metric is a review of the five year average of serious injuries and mortalities due to fishing. Secondary metrics include the frequency of observed entanglements, the proportion of entanglements resulting in serious injury or mortality, the rate of entanglements based on scarring, and a review of stranding and disentanglement data. NMFS is in the process of rulemaking to revise the North Atlantic Right Whale critical habitat and anticipates that the rule will be published by mid-summer 2012 with an opportunity for public comment before the rule is finalized. NMFS is facing serious cuts in its aerial survey program to detect right whales due to funding constraints. The agency reports that approximately 80% of entanglements are detected from aerial surveys, and that entanglement and mortality are likely significantly under-reported. Aerial survey protocols will be adjusted to produce the best scientific data on the status of the stock. A review of the 2011 disentanglement program revealed that of the 11 right whales observed entangled, 4 shed gear, 1 was disentangled, 2 had minor injuries and 1 died. More research is needed to understand the spike in entanglements compared to previous years. NMFS has implemented new guidelines to assess the rate of serious injury and mortality in entanglement cases for which the fate of the whale cannot be determined (CBD). These confirmed entanglements will be pro-rated as mortalities (at 0.75) to account for the probability that an entanglement would result in mortality. These will be included in NMFS Annual serious injury and mortality determinations for each marine mammal species. Animals that are disentangled are not counted as serious injuries. NMFS is also exploring development of a methodology to assess the number of whales that likely die from entanglement but are never observed. This will require a modeling approach to assess the minimum number of whales alive, the likelihood of Sales, Service, Maintenance and Installation of: survival and the rate of serious injury and mortality. This will produce an estimate of the annual takes of whales due to fishery entanglements. The SRG discussed prioritizing research to make the best use of reduced federal funding and recognized the importance of maintaining a consistent survey presence, the right whale catalog, mortality investigations and acoustic monitoring. The second day included a review of Registered Efficiency NMFS’ recommendations to update the Maine Contractor guidelines for assessing marine mammal Art Green, Owner stocks (GAMMS III) to ensure consistency across all regions. The recommendations EMERGENCY provide guidance on an array of issues such Commercial • Industrial as dealing with out-dated data and assessing SERVICE Serving all of New England transboundary stocks. REFRIGERATION Walk-In Coolers/Freezers • Lobster Chillers & Tanks • Bait Coolers/Freezers Ice Machines & Equipment • Process Refrigeration (207) 893-0145 AVAILABLE www.appliedrefrigeration.com Licensed • Insured • Certified 22 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION March 2012 In the News Lobster safety training proves vital in sledding accident Canadian lobster industry gets to work By Tarra Merchant H annah Alley, the 13-year-old daughter of Robert Jr. and Angel Alley, was out sledding behind her house on January 22. While sledding, Hannah saw a metal stake sticking out of the snow. She tried to swerve to miss it, but was unable to do so. Hannah’s leg landed on the stake, resulting in a very bloody injury. Angel dialed 911 and sent a towel down to have her 16-year-old son, Travis, apply pressure on the wound. Unbeknownst to her, Travis had already put a tourniquet on the leg and applied pressure. He learned this from the CPR/First Aid course he was required to take in order to get his lobster license. Travis’ girlfriend was a big help in keeping Hannah calm while mom was on the phone directing the ambulance. When the ambulance arrived the crew felt Hannah should be sent to Bangor because of blood loss. They also didn’t know how much damage was done to her leg. The ambulance met up with Lifeflight at Mark Wright’s construction yard in Columbia. Hannah ended up with a terrible gash on her leg, but the family was so relieved that was the only thing. Angel and Robert said they are proud of Travis for how he took charge of the situation, and of his girlfriend for all her help in keeping Hannah calm. Reprinted with permission from The Downeast Coastal Press, week of January 31-February 6, 2012. Working groups set up by the Lobster Council of Canada began meeting in January. The goal of the groups is to explore the issues of quality grading, shore price setting, branding and promotion. Two working groups, made up of 40 people, met in January and will meet again in April. Representation on these working groups will include 16 harvesters, eight people from live shipping and eight from the processing side of the industry, as well as federal and provincial representatives and lobster brokers. During February and March, three smaller groups will meet. These groups of fifteen people will focus on specific aspects of the industry, such as product branding or minimum price systems. The working groups are the result of a 2011 report commissioned by the Lobster Council of Canada that provided a comprehensive examination of the Atlantic Canada lobster industry. The report concluded that the provinces’ lobster industry is disorganized and structured to under-perform. Although lobster harvesters and buyers can do little to affect the world’s economy or currency exchange rates, the report indicated that the industry could improve its marketing system. The aim is for all groups to complete their work in April. Maine lobster heads to Central America Maine Lobster, S.A., a company established in Panama by Maine residents Jack Mosher and John Brier, plans to export Maine lobster products to Panama and other parts of Latin America later this year, when a free-trade agreement removes tariffs on U.S. exports. Panama ratified the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement in 2007, but Congress only ratified it in October. The company has secured a supply agreement with Atwood Lobster Company in Spruce Head, now owned by the Mazzetta Company of Chicago. Mosher and Brier consider Panama the gateway to Columbia, Costa Rica and Brazil. Panama’s economy is among the fastest-growing in Latin America. It grew 6.2 percent in 2010 and is expected to expand with similar annual growth through 2015.F Ventless trap program vessels wanted The Department of Marine Resources, in cooperation with the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation, seeks three industry participants for the Regional Ventless Trap Program through a competitive bid process. First initiated in 2006, this project will run during June, July and August 2012. Interested parties will need to complete the application to identify vessel specifications, daily rate and preferred sampling leg. Three of nine legs are open for bid, covering (1) Canadian border to Beals, (2) North Penobscot Bay and (3) Saco Bay to Isle of Shoals. Each leg will have 75-100 small mesh traps randomly positioned at three depths. Each month the traps will be baited and sampled 2 times, on 3 night sets, making a monthly 3 day commitment and total 9 contracted days. This is an opportunity to participate in a cooperative research project supported by industry and science from Maine through New York. For questions or requests for applications, please contact Kathleen Reardon or Carl Wilson at (207) 633-9500. More information can be found at www.maine.gov/dmr.. News & Comment for and by the Fishermen of Maine SUBSCRIBE TODAY! We Like To Hear From You! 18.* $ To subscribe send check or money order for along with the information below to: Fishermen’s Voice P.O. Box 253 , Gouldsboro, ME 04607 *Canadian subscriptions are $23 U.S. dollars Name __________________________________________________________ The Fishermen’s Voice From the Canadian Maritimes, All along the Maine Coast, and in ports south to Cape Cod - IT’S WHAT FISHERMEN READ! It pays to advertise. And we have the rates you want. For a modest cost, you can get your business noticed by the state’s 6,000 licensed lobstermen, their familes and their friends. Address_________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________________________________ State, Zip________________________________________________________ MLA 05/10 Join us in Supporting the Tradition of Making One’s Living from the Sea by Advertising in the Fishermen’s Voice. We have one of the best circulations among the industry’s newspapers, 8,000 copies distributed from Kittery to Eastport and 2,000 copies to the major fishing ports in Massachusetts, and our advertising rates are very reasonable. 207-963-7195 Send letters, news, stories to: P.O. Box 253 Gouldsboro, ME 04607 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fishermensvoice.com We go where the lobstermen are. And you can come too! Call April Gilmore,967-4555 or email [email protected] for advertising rates and information. March 2012 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION 23 Events Calendar March 1-3 Maine Fishermen’s Forum, Samoset Resort, Rockport, ME. www.mainefishermensforum.org March 8 TAA Workshop, Product Quality and Handling, 5-8 p.m., Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland. RSVP 207-967-4555. March 19 Public hearing on Draft Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan, 7-9 p.m., Seaport Inn, Fairhaven, MA. March 2 MLA Annual Meeting, 9 a.m., Maine Fishermen’s Forum, Rockport. March 11-13 International Boston Seafood Show, Boston Convention Center. FMI: 207-842-5504. March 20 TAA Workshop, Alternative Enterprises, 5-8 p.m., University of Maine Machias. RSVP 207-967-4555. Public hearing on Draft Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Maine Fishermen’s Forum, Rockport. March 14 Public hearing on Draft Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan, 7-9 p.m., Gloucester, MA. March 3 TAA Workshop, Product Quality and Handling, 9 – 10:15 a.m., Maine Fishermen’s Forum. RSVP 207-967-4555. March 15 TAA Workshop, Lobster Market Overview, 5-8 p.m., Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland. RSVP 207-967-4555. TAA Workshop, Lobster Market Overview, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m., at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum. RSVP 207-967-4555. Public hearing on Draft Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan, 7- 9 p.m., Sheraton Harborside, Portsmouth, NH. March 6 TAA Workshop, Marketing and Branding, 5-8 p.m., University of Maine Machias. RSVP 207-967-4555. March 7 Three films: “Fishing Voices: Insight into the Future,” “Howard Hutchinson’s Memories of Stonington, Maine,” and “Maine’s Disappearing Working Waterfront,” 5-7 p.m., Penobscot East Resource Center. FMI: 367-2708. March 16 Zone E MLA whale research outreach meeting, 8-12 noon, DMR Laboratory, Boothbay. Zone F MLA whale research outreach meeting, 2-6 p.m., Yarmouth Town Hall. March 17 Zone G MLA whale research outreach meeting , 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., McArthur Library, Biddeford. HYDRO-SLAVE SAME DAY SERVICE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT “THINKING OF BUILDING A NEW BOAT?” LET US QUOTE YOU ON A POWER STEERING OR A POT HAULER. 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FOR OVER 40 YEARS Call John for more information 1-800-747-7550 • Or visit us on the internet: http://www.midcoast.com/~marinhyd/ MARINE HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING 17 Gordon Drive • Rockland, Maine • Fax: 207-594-9721 Email: [email protected] March 21 TAA Workshop, Marketing and Branding, 5-8 p.m., Lincoln Street Center Gallery Room, Rockland. RSVP 207-967-4555. Public hearing on Draft Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan, 7- 9 p.m., Holiday Inn By the Bay, Portland. March 28 Public hearing on Draft Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan, 7-9 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn , Warwick, RI. March 29 TAA Workshop, Business Planning, 5-8 p.m., Ellsworth City Hall Auditorium. RSVP 207-967-4555. Upcoming April 3 TAA Workshop, Business Planning Workshop, 5-8 p.m., University of Maine Machias. RSVP 207-967-4555. MLA Directors meeting, 5 p.m., Darby’s Restaurant, Belfast. FMI 967-4555. . March 22 TAA Workshop, Product Quality and Handling, 5-8 p.m., Ellsworth City Hall. RSVP 207-967-4555. April 11 TAA Workshop, Alternative Enterprises, 5-8 p.m., Lincoln Street Center Gallery Room, Rockland. RSVP 207-967-4555. March 23-24 U.S.-Canada Lobster Town Meeting, Wyndham Hotel, Portland. FMI: 581-2751. April 12 TAA Workshop, Alternative Enterprises, 5-8 p.m., Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland. RSVP 207-967-4555. March 27 Public hearing on Draft Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan, 7- 9 p.m., Radisson Hotel Plymouth, MA. April 24 TAA Workshop, Alternative Enterprises, 5-8 p.m., Ellsworth City Hall Auditorium. RSVP 207-967-4555. 24 MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION March 2012 Seafood show continued from page 1 The show has grown out of other locations before finally landing in the sprawling Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. It’s been sold twice, most recently to Diversified Communications in Portland, Maine. In 1982, Kenelm Coons was executive director of the NEFDF, later named the New England Fisheries Development Association and now defunct. Coons helped start the show and organized all the conferences, even for a few years after the show’s first sale. “It’s hard to believe the original Boston Seafood Show started with 42 exhibitors from Atlantic Canada and New England. Now there are over 800 exhibitors and while very few from the original list of New England companies continue to be exhibitors, they’re all at the show walking the floor or transacting business in Boston hotel suites, and some also arrange day trips to their facilities,” said Coons. When it became the biggest seafood show in the world, Diversified added “International” as the show’s first name to reflect the fact that dealers from all over the world exhibit there. As the international presence increased, New England companies exhibited less. Today, Diversified’s newer show in Brussels is bigger than Boston, but Coons said Boston is still “the most important seafood industry gettogether in the Western Hemisphere.” The original exhibitors did not include lobster companies from the U.S., but a few from Canada that sold both live lobsters and frozen “popsicle packs” were there. “Now there is a significant representation of both New England and Canadian lobster companies exhibiting at the show with everything from live lobster to value-added lobster products,” Coons said. “With the growing importance of the Asian market and a large number of Asian exhibitors, there are sales opportunities right on the show floor for U.S. and Canadian lobster exporters.” New Meadows Lobster in Portland doesn’t exhibit, but owner Pete McAleney is D espite a sluggish economy and challenges such as low prices and high fuel costs, lobster will have an increased presence at the International Boston Seafood Show, March 11-13. The Maine Lobster Promotion Council (MLPC) has expanded its booth size from 10’ by 20’ to 20’ by 40’ feet, forming a pavilion to accommodate some dealers as well. This is a big jump, particularly since the MLPC did not exhibit at all in 2007. “In the past several years there’s been a ‘softness’ in the marketplace,” said Dane Somers, MLPC executive director. “But now we’re seeing cautious optimism.” The pavilion will include seven Maine lobster dealers: Bar Harbor Foods/Looks Gourmet, JP’s Shellfish, Little Bay Lobster, Lobster Web, Maine Coast Shellfish, Ready Seafood and Sea Salt Lobster. Chef Wilfred Beriau will be providing lobster cooking demonstrations at the pavilion throughout the show. Eight Maine Lobster companies will exhibit independently: Browne Trading, Calendar Islands Maine Lobster, Cobscook Bay, Cozy Harbor Seafood, Greenhead Lobster, Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine, Portland Shellfish and Shucks Maine Lobster. one of those dealers walking the floor. Well, he doesn’t so much walk the floor any more, he says. “I pick an aisle and stand at the end of it and let everyone walk by me. If you walk the floor, everyone walks at the same pace and you miss people!” McAleney agrees. “The benefit is you get to see in person the people you talk to all year. It’s not so much that you get more business, but you increase relationships,” he said. “And you don’t have to worry about your business back home, because everyone else is there, too, wheeling and dealing.” Linda L. Bean, owner of Linda Bean’s Maine Lobster, headquartered in Port Clyde, exhibits regularly at the show. She often launches new products there. In 2011 she unveiled five new lobster products and a frozen clam chowder. “To exhibit at the IBSS is costly. Some exhibitors spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to be there — their booths are enormous, weigh tons, and need to be shipped, assembled, and disassembled, all in a matter of days. To do this, their sales need to be ‘plenty’,” said Bean. “Maine lobster booths are modest to small. It accurately reflects the fact that our claw fishery is precious, containing a limited quantity in a small designated area of the world’s oceans…. (but) Maine lobster is a world brand, like Alaska salmon. For me, starting my sixth year in Maine lobster, it has value just to see that Linda Bean — taking a stand for ‘all Maine, all the time’ — is still in the game.” As the show grew, manufacturers began exhibiting processing equipment. Originally, seafood products and equipment were commingled on the show floor. Eventually they were divided into two separate but contiguous shows. The show has come a long way since 1982, when nary a lobster processor could be seen. This year the International Boston Seafood Show and Seafood Processing America gathering will bring together the thousands of people and companies from around the world who make seafood their business. Somers would like to see a revival of the old days at the show, when Maine dealers mostly clustered on two sides of an entire aisle at the show with a banner overhead proclaiming Maine Street. “We’ve been trying to get a pavilion together for years now,” said Somers, who took over the council in 2008. “But people were reserved, taking a waitand-see attitude. Last year the attitude changed. People became optimistic that at least things wouldn’t get worse.” Buoyed by increased interest from huge emerging markets such as China, Somers points out that ever-increasing lobster landings demand new markets. “Where will they all go? Conditions in the US and Europe are still iffy, but things are improving in Asia.” In addition to its increased presence at the show, on the evening of March 12, the MLPC will host a grand tasting-style Maine Lobster Reception at the nearby Exchange Conference Center on the Boston Fish Pier, the historic home of the New England Fish Exchange, now a function space overlooking Boston Harbor.