I'm Fred Nutter with this WCSH 6 Editorial response.

We said a change in Maine law that would allow off-shore draggers to land incidental lobster catches in Maine might save a vital Maine industry. Bob Baines, of the Lobstermen's Association responds.

For more than a decade, Maine's groundfishermen have faced severe cutbacks, competitive pressures and an unfriendly business environment. But legalizing the landing of dragged lobsters will not save this beleaguered industry.

It would, however, put Maine's thriving lobster industry at risk. Dragging is an indiscriminant way to fish. The gear catches anything in its path. Lobsters caught in draggers often have damaged shells and broken legs and claws - not the world-class product Maine is famous for.  [More about lobsters harvested in trawl gear]

Maine has had the foresight to protect lobster from this gear, and in so doing has created a traditional trap fishery revered throughout the world for its superior product and sustainability.

Changing the law will weaken our conservation measures by jeopardizing our brood stock [More about brood stock]. Maine's successful stewardship of its lobster resource should not be sacrificed because of the failed management of the ground fish industry.

Maine lobstermen sympathize with our fellow fishermen. The groundfish industry's initiatives to become more competitive by addressing the state's high fuel tax [More about fuel tax], berthing costs, and low fish prices [More about fish prices] have our full support. These are real solutions that won't jeopardize the health of Maine's lobster industry.

This has been a response to a recent editorial.

Fred Nutter Editorial Director 2/23/07