Category: March ’15

FISH SAFE: A float plan and other documents to aid in event of search and rescue

We are always looking for ways to reduce fisherman risks and ensure efficient search and rescue operations. Here are some suggestions for actions that any captain and crew can take prior to leaving the dock that could make a significant difference in the timeliness of a rescue if later needed. First, the captain could provide …

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New Boat: Jessica Laura

Builder: Wesmac Custom Boats, Surry, ME Finisher: SW Boatworks, Lamoine, ME Owner: Jim Poole, Vinalhaven, ME   Dimensions: 46’x14’6″x4’11” Fishery: Lobster Hull: Solid fiberglass Top: Molded unit; foam cored Power: C18 Caterpillar (1,000 hp @ 2300 rpm) w/2:1 ZF 500A marine gear; Billings Diesel & Marine Service Prop: 32″x36.5″x4 Shaft: 2-1/2″ AQ-22; R.E. Thomas Marine …

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Maine Fishermen’s Forum celebrates 40 years

ROCKPORT, ME – The Maine Fishermen’s Forum (MFF) celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with a jam-packed three days scheduled at the Samoset Resort from Thursday, March 5 through Saturday, March 7. A highlight of this year’s bigger-than-ever Forum Trade Show will be the appearance of Capt. Dave Carraro from the National Geographic Channel’s Wicked …

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EDITORIAL – 40 years of ME Fishermen’s Forums: Why so special?

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum and Trade Show, a notable milestone worthy of celebration, recognition, and a few moments of personal reflection. I haven’t been at all 40 forums – though I know several of you who have.  My attendance record is probably closer to 30, but whatever the …

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Andrew Gove: 85 and counting; 78 of ‘em lobstering

STONINGTON, ME – The crew in the machine shop at Billings Diesel & Marine is doing its thing, prepping the 36′ Northern Bay that sits on the floor to receive her new engine.  Surprisingly, the 36-footer’s new D13 Volvo – a 13-liter inline 6 – is going to fit into the space where the old …

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Maine Lobster Dealers’ Association charts new direction

SCARBOROUGH, ME – After nearly 30 years representing buyers, sellers, and processors of Maine lobster, the Maine Import/Export Lobster Dealers’ Association (MIELDA), has seen some major changes recently. Newly renamed as the Maine Lobster Dealer’s Association (MLDA), the organization has done everything from restructuring membership, to hiring its first executive director, to refocusing its mission. …

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Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative – Job One: Building our brand; securing our price

PORTLAND, ME – Lobster fishermen, you should know that the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative (MLMC) is working hard for your industry, our industry. We remember every day that we exist because of the fees lobster license holders pay.  We respect the hard work that pays for our efforts.  We know why we are here and …

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Fairhaven Shipyard further establishes boatbuilding presence with delivery of new scalloper C.B. Keane

FAIRHAVEN, MA – While southern shipyards continue to be a major force in new vessel construction for the New Bedford fleet, the recent completion of the scalloper C.B. Keane by Fairhaven Shipyard Companies makes one point clear. Big steel boatbuilding is back in New England and Fairhaven Shipyard is leading the charge. When father-son team …

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Maine-New Hampshire Inshore Trawl results: Collaborative research and a good 15-year baseline

ALEXANDRIA, VA – During an update on the 2014 Maine-New Hampshire (MENH) inshore trawl survey to the Northeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (NEAMAP) board at the recent Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) winter meeting here, members considered running a comparison of boats, nets, and captains in the overlapping areas between it and the …

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GUEST COLUMN: Regulations have done little to boost depleted cod stocks; Maine’s lobster management approach offers clear direction

The following originally appeared as an op-ed in the Bangor Daily News (BDN) and is reprinted here by permission of the BDN. —Editor   Colonial America’s first true industry, groundfishing, has followed the path of many others. Technology improved as the industrial revolution took hold – it kept improving afterward – and a growing population …

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