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In 2003, Maine’s groundfish community
informed state government that our industry was approaching a precipice.
Governor Baldacci appointed a task force to examine the reasons why and to
recommend solutions. Thirty recommendations were provided to the Governor
in June of 2004. Just one has been implemented.
The task force’s report correctly
identified the number one reason for vessel relocation to other states as
Maine’s prohibition on landing of bycatch lobsters. The task force
deliberately sought alternative remedies to overcome this, but the State
took no action. Now, over two years later, Maine’s groundfish community
has no choice but to bring this issue to the fore.
Read the Task
Force Report
Our bycatch lobster landings proposal
would follow existing federal law, limiting vessels to a maximum of 500
lobsters per trip. No lobster harvested within approximately 50 miles of
the Maine coast could be landed. Maine’s maximum size law would apply to
bycatch lobsters, just as it does for the directed trap fishery.
Readers who are interested in learning
more about this public policy issue are invited to visit
www.betterlobsterlaw.com. This web site provides details about our
bycatch proposal and links to useful information.
Each pound of
groundfish landed and processed in Maine provides $2.50-$3.00 to the local
economy. Yet year after year, trip after fishing trip, Maine forgoes
20,000 pounds of fish for the sake of 500 lobsters. Other New England
states welcome those vessels, the jobs, and the tens of thousands of
dollars of economic activity they generate each time they return to port.
Longtime observers of
our State’s regulatory may find no surprise in this latest example of
Maine’s relatively unfriendly business climate. All Maine fishermen seek
is a level playing field so that they can compete.
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