Yep, no doubt about it. It’s Maine Fishermen’s Forum time again. Though the weather is likely to be snotty – it usually is – forum time means spring is just around the corner.
Boats that were hauled for the winter will go back overboard. Dooryards will empty of their stacks of traps. And whoa Nelly, before you know it, it’ll all start up again.
But before that happens many of you will be making the trip to Rockland for a weekend of education, conversation, relaxation, and maybe – just maybe – a cold adult beverage or two. It’s been known to happen.
There will be much to talk about.
Let’s face it. It’s been a … weird year.
Lobsters didn’t do what they were supposed to. Or maybe they did – and we just need to get used to it.
Politics and trade were in flux. Still are. And the seafood industry is caught in the crossfire.
Right whale deaths peaked and no one is quite sure why. But fixed gear fishermen are easy to blame.
Then there was the Carlos Rafael debacle in New Bedford and its ripple effect all through the region – the net impact yet to be assessed.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
But, the forum crowd has never let a few dark clouds spoil a great weekend. This year, the 43rd annual gathering, promises to be no exception.
Expect the Samoset parking lots to be full, families and kids of all ages streaming through the corridors to and from the pool, crowded aisles in the trade show, lively (even heated) discussions in the meeting rooms, and a waiting line at the downstairs lounge.
It’ll be fun. It’ll be rewarding. And we will be there.
Be sure to stop by the CFN booth in the trade show and say hello, give us a pat on the back, or give us hell – whatever we’ve got coming.
See you Mar. 1-3 at the Samoset. /cfn/
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