November 2011 MAINE COASTAL NEWS Page 9. Commercial Fishing News Fall Newsletter from the Downeast Lobstermen's Association
It has been a while since I’ve written a director’s report. There has been so much happening since last June that I’ve had to slow down in order to hurry up. There has been one big issue that we have been dealing with since the Maine Fishermen’s Forum and that is the statements that our previous DMR Commissioner, Norman Olsen made at that gathering. We have been working with ev- eryone that has called the D.E.L.A. phone number and contacted me through e-mail and I have been happy to oblige.
I need to confirm and verify the facts. Yes, we did go to see Gov. LePage on July 7th to discuss the concerns of our membership and fellow fishermen. Those in attendance were President; Clive Farrin, Vice President; Nick Lemieux; Past President; Norbert Lemieux; Sec/Treas; Mike Dassatt, and Ex- ecutive Director; Sheila Dassatt. We met with Gov. Lepage with our deep concerns for the future of the Maine Lobster Fishery. As mentioned, we told him that the industry had already outlawed the landing of dragged by-catch lobsters that are caught off shore. This law was put in place in 1961 and also voted down in 2007.
In all fairness to everyone involved, Gov. LePage did ask us in depth questions about why we felt this way. He wanted to look at both sides of this issue. No, it wasn’t an easy meeting. He does challenge the issue at hand and wanted answers. We were able to explain the issues that we were all concerned about and at no time, asked for the Commissioner’s resignation. We also made it known that we are not against Portland and the draggers. We felt that the dragged by- catch of lobster should not be allowed, pe- riod. What they do about their fin fish is up to their own discretion and laws for conser- vation in the ground fishery.
When we left Gov. LePage’s office, we felt that he would discuss the matter with Com. Olsen and come to a better understand- ing of the concerns that were on the table. We also had a very good meeting with Gov. LePage’s advisors, who seemed very atten- tive to our concerns.
I will admit I was offended by the state- ments that were made in Norman’s resigna- tion letter – “special interest group with a
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copy machine.” I won’t go on about this subject, but as far as attitude, the “proof was in the pudding.” I would like to say that it does prove that when we all work together for the better interests of the industry, we can make our voices known. We have had a lot of positive feedback supporting the work that we all do. Please continue to stay in touch and let your opinions be known. Com- munications are very important, whether it is good or bad. If we don’t know how you feel, we can’t help the issue. Thank you, once again.
Now, we are all facing more meetings about the whale rule that is coming up in 2014. Time does fly these days. It seems that we had just addressed this subject! I attended a meeting that was hosted by the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation. This meeting was held at the Samoset Resort and represented a talking table with the leaders in the industry to bring everyone’s suggestions forward. This in- volved the results of the scoping meetings that have been held over the past month. The suggestions needed to be made right away due to the closing date which was the end of September. This information will be the facts that will be used for the 2014 ruling. If you have further ideas, suggestions or concerns, please contact me at
dassatt711@yahoo.com or give me a call at 207 338-1406 or 207 322-1924.
We have been very busy this past sum- mer with the DELA merchandise that we carry to help support our association. With the economy the way that it is, it has been very difficult to do as well as we have in previous years. Everything has been slowing down, so please, send your memberships in if you haven’t yet. I would also like to ask that if you have a friend that is interested in membership, sign them up! Most of the people that ask me questions at the dock are the ones that have never belonged to an association. When this happens, I do my best to sign them as a new member. They can feel free to contact us at any time. We’re happy and willing to answer questions about their concerns and member- ship. A strong voice also means a strong membership!
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densed the newsletter to the “Summer Edi- tion” to show what has been happening and share some of our summer events. We also want to get our DELA information on line. If you are interested in an online connection, please contact me with you latest e-mail ad- dress. For the contract advertisers, we will adjust your expiration dates. We are also on Facebook now – check it out! This is an on site way to contact us with news, pictures and events. I have been working very diligently to get us up to speed with all of this latest technology that we have these days. They say that technology is a time saver—I beg to differ! It gives all of us the opportunity to multi-task, if you’re good at it. When I try to multi-task, I usually foul myself up somehow, someway.
I want to wish all of you a successful and safe season this year. We are also actively lobstering and weathered Hurricane Irene well. I hope that everyone came through it without any major repairs. I think we’re all pretty used to this kind of weather in Maine, anyway.
As far as an update on the lobster indus- try as a whole, we’ve had another year with an abundance of lobsters – we’re still fishing, we’re now processing in Maine, the price hasn’t gone up a lot, but in this area, it is holding its own. Sometimes I feel that when it is fairly quiet, that can be a good thing! (All around, no matter what the subject is). With all of the rain, it has pushed the lobsters further out due to the fresh water, but hope- fully, there is still enough left within the three mile limit. It has been a beautiful fall, so we’re not quite ready to call it quits just yet. October is officially Maine Lobster Month, as signed by Governor LePage. This also leads up to the Chef of the Year Compe- tition that is hosted by the Maine Lobster Promotion Council. This will be held on Friday, October 21 in Portland. Fall is offi- cially “Harvest time” for the lobster industry to market our product, whether it is shipped live or processed.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Thurs- day, November 10th at Jasper’s Restaurant in Ellsworth at 6:00 p.m.
2011 LOBSTER BOAT RACE CD
About 1,500 photographs from all eleven 2011 lobster boat races. Just $12.50, which includes postage and handling.
To order send to: Maine Coastal News, P.O. Box 710, Winterport, ME, 04496 or call (207) 223-8846 and charge to your credit card.
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