Tag Archives: Island Institute
Maine lobstermen signal opposition to participating in ropeless testing program
Maine lobstermen are signaling their hesitation to participate in a multimillion-dollar program the state is launching to test new ropeless technology that the federal government soon may require to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Lobstermen have been largely unhappy with the regulations, fearing that the regulations will destroy the lobstering industry as they know it. Maine’s congressional delegation succeeded in securing legislative approval for a reprieve that stalls the regulations from going into effect until Jan. 1, 2029. Industry groups also have succeeded in taking NOAA to court, where the regulations are still tied up. Even so, the clock is ticking and the Department of Marine Resources wants to be prepared for what it expects is an inevitable regulation. more, >>click to read<< 06:31
NFWF grants support Maine lobster industry participation in alternative fishing gear testing
“Alternative gear, also known as “on demand” gear is a long way from being viable for fishermen or for whales,” said DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher. “It is my goal to make sure we know what gear works, and more importantly what doesn’t work, so when future draft federal regulations come forward, we can draw on the real-world experience of fishermen when determining what the next steps should be.” One award of $1,999,992 will support the evaluation of acoustic geolocation systems that locate gear on the bottom without the benefit of surface buoys which are part of traditional gear configurations. Regional partners will include the Island Institute, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, the Sunrise County Economic Council, and the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation. more, >>click to read<< 06:09
The ‘last 20 miles’: Real estate boom, new demands threaten Maine’s working waterfront
Rockland – The potential sale of three commercial waterfront properties has the potential to bring new development and tax revenue, but also great change to the town’s character. The properties are being marketed as development opportunities for hotels, restaurants, retail or office space, residential or marine usage and are listed for sale for $13.9 million, according to the New England Commercial Property Exchange. “We expect that whatever we do will be controversial,” Ed Glaser, mayor of Rockland. Elsewhere in Rockland, the nonprofit Island Institute has been sounding the alarm about shrinking coastal frontage still available for commercial use by fishermen, boatbuilders, marinas and so on. Of Maine’s 5,300 miles of coastline, just a fraction, 20 miles, is still available for working waterfront, according to the nonprofit’s 2014 report, “The Last 20 Miles.” >click to read< 13:32
DEP officials hear opposition to salmon farm – “I am still shocked that we are talking about it”
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s will and capacity to adequately appraise American Aquafarms’ proposed plan to discharge a combined 4.1 billion gallons of diluted wastewater daily from both the Norwegian-backed company’s two 15-pen sites in Frenchman Bay were questioned during a 2.5-hour public meeting held online by the state agency Thursday night. The scientific studies and analysis underlying the industrial-scale project also were disputed and independent scientific data, which paints a different picture, submitted. “It’s just a big accident waiting to happen. I am still shocked that we are talking about it,” >click to read< 09:36
Drone images of the lobster fleet
Maine is known around the world for the iconic lobster boats that dot the coast and are the primary vehicle for the state’s renowned fishing industry. Portland-based photographer Mark Fleming has developed a new perspective on these boats by using a drone to capture them in an innovative, yet classic fashion. The Island Institute is celebrating Fleming’s extraordinary visual record of these working vessels by featuring his work on the covers of the new edition of the Island Journal, the Institute’s annual magazine.,,“Fishermen take pride in their boats,” said Fleming. “Not only do they often put their life savings into these vessels, but they put their personalities into them as well. It’s these details that become really important when you isolate the boat.” click here to read the story 16:53
A Climate of Change video series: Ocean Acidification in Alaska
In the second chapter of our series of videos on the effects of climate change on fisheries, Island Institute media specialist Scott Sell explores the effects of ocean acidification on the shellfish industry in Alaska — and what that might mean for Maine: Watch, and Read more here 17:19
Couple claim wrongful firing by Rockland Me. Island Institute
The Franks were hired in 2009, according to their lawsuit. James Frank was hired to assist in the creation of the Port Clyde Community Groundfish Sector organization due to his extensive experience in commercial fisheries and his familiarity with the Knox County fishing industry. Susan Frank was hired as data collection manager. continued
