Daily Archives: March 1, 2025
Once a form of currency, quahogs remain a steady source of cash
Quahogs have long been associated with money and wealth. “Quahog” comes from an Algonquian word for hard clam, but its scientific name is Mercenaria mercenaria, from the Latin for wages. In response to the scarcity of soft-shell clams, local harvesters have shifted their efforts to quahogs. From 2011-2015, the quahog harvest in Harpswell ranged from about 5,000 to 60,000 pounds. By 2023, the quahog harvest in Harpswell had skyrocketed to 458,000 pounds. In that period, the value of quahog landings also grew, from about $80,000 in 2015 to nearly $900,000. By contrast, the value of Harpswell’s soft-shell landings in 2023 was $384,000. Clearly, for Harpswell’s diggers, quahogs are now where the money is. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 16:40
Deadliest Catch Season 21 release date: When does the series premiere?
As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, fans are eager to learn about the challenges and adventures that await the fleet. While official announcements regarding the premiere date remain undisclosed, recent developments suggest that production is well underway, hinting at another thrilling installment on the horizon. Season 20 left views anticipating more as several storylines are yet to have a conclusion. As of January 2025, filming for Season 21 of Deadliest Catch has commenced. Camera operator Newton Garcia Ward provided fans with a glimpse behind the scenes by sharing photos from the set on Instagram. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 13:30
NOAA firings hit crucial Alaska weather service, fishery research
Alaskans were among the hundreds of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees who began receiving firing notices this week, a blow to an agency that provides everything from weather forecasts to fisheries management to cutting-edge climate science in Alaska. The cuts — part of a broader effort by the administration of President Donald Trump to drastically slash the federal workforce — came after other agencies, including the National Park Service, had abruptly fired probationary workers in recent weeks. Nationally, more than 800 people across NOAA, an organization of 13,000 staff members, were fired, the New York Times reported Thursday. In Alaska, it was not immediately clear how many had lost their jobs, but they included NOAA employees working on fishery research and weather monitoring, among other functions. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 10:21
Civically engaged lobsterman aims for Select Board seat
Cundy’s Harbor lobsterman Matthew “Matt” Gilley has become a regular presence at the Harpswell Town Office, and he hopes to become even more of a fixture by winning a three-year term on the Select Board. Gilley, who already serves on multiple boards and committees, is the only candidate running to replace Jane Covey, who chose not to seek a third term. The 40-year-old said he’d like to inject some new blood into the board and serve the broad interests of all residents, including lobstermen. A lifelong Harpswell resident, Gilley serves on the local Harbor and Waterfront Committee, Aquaculture Working Group, and Comprehensive Plan Task Force, and is an associate member of the Planning Board. He also serves on the state’s Lobster Advisory Council and represents Cundy’s Harbor on the regional Lobster Zone Council. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:55
Nova Scotia lobster industry facing headwinds after Clearwater exit from live shipping
Those who work in the seafood processing and shipping industry in Nova Scotia say they were surprised by Clearwater Seafoods’ decision to exit the live lobster business. But they also say it’s a sign from a giant that those remaining in the industry need to figure out how to stabilize the economics of it. “It’s a bit of a wake-up call for arguably the leading company to exit lobster, but it will also mean we can individually look at things and tweak many aspects of our business model,” said Stewart Lamont, managing director of Tangier Lobster Company, a competitor to Clearwater. “Fortunately, we still have a captive international audience. Clients in Europe and Asia and the Middle East want to buy our lobster.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:53
