Tag Archives: grey zone
New regulation for Maine fishermen might ease tension in ‘grey zone’
Melanie Sonnenberg, the general manager of the Grand Manan Fishermen’s Association, said there’s been some tension between fishermen in the zone because American fishermen are worried Canadian fishermen are stealing lobsters from their traps at night. Canadian fisherman can check their traps after dark, but American fishermen aren’t regulated to do so. Until now. New legislation in Maine will now allow American fishermen to check their traps at night. >Audio report, click to read<20:03
Lobster fishing bill draws focus onto grey zone
A bill to allow Maine lobster fishermen to haul their traps at night throughout most of the year in the disputed “grey zone” has again drawn attention to the 165-square-kilometre fishing area centered around Machias Seal Island that is claimed by the U.S. and Canada. Cutler fishermen are supportive of the legislation, since they say it would help them prevent Canadian fishermen from hauling their traps, while Grand Manan fishermen say any bad apples in the fishery can be found on both sides of the border. Rep. Will Tuell of East Machias submitted the bill, which would remove all nighttime restrictions on lobster fishing from Labor Day to Memorial Day, at the request of a group of Cutler fishermen. >click to read<17:55
U.S. Border Patrol questions crews of at least 2 fishing vessels in (disputed) Canadian waters
The federal government is investigating reports that two Canadian fishing vessels were approached, and crew members questioned, by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Canadian waters in the Gulf of Maine in late June. According to Global Affairs Canada, the incidents occurred June 24 and 25 around Machias Seal Island and North Rock.,, Machias Seal Island is a tiny spot between New Brunswick and Maine that has been the subject of a territorial dispute between Canada and the United States for decades. Roughly 700 square kilometres of water surround the island in what’s called a grey zone. Lobstermen from both sides of the border fish those waters. >click to read<
Lobster fishery intensifies Machias Seal Island boundary dispute
In the past, local fishermen based in Cutler, Maine and Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick have feuded over the area, but have been able to sort out their differences informally. But in recent years, at least one Nova Scotia processor as well as aboriginal bands exercising their rights under the Supreme Court of Canada’s Marshall decision have acquired licences that were once part of the Grand Manan fleet. Steven Corkum, the president of Nova Scotia-based Yarmouth Sea Products, law enables him to hire a crew to catch lobster in Zone 38. Read the rest here 06:36
