What a difference a few years can make. Just two years ago, in November 2021, MLA board and staff members gathered on the Portland waterfront to officially announce our #SaveMaineLobstermen campaign. Patrice McCarron and Kristan Porter declared an ambitious fundraising goal at a time when our backs were against the wall. We knew suing the federal government and proving our case would not only be legally difficult but also incredibly expensive. We asked for your help — and you have not let us down!
Today, thanks to MLA’s overwhelming victory in the U.S. Court of Appeals earlier this year, we finally have some breathing room. Even so, one thing we know for sure is that there remain unseen challenges ahead. We must be prepared to fight whatever unexpected legal or regulatory obstacles those might be. That is why our #SaveMaineLobstermen campaign continues to roll on. A strong MLA provides hope for all our lobstering families.
We are so grateful to all of you who have donated to the legal defense fund, hosted fundraisers, sold homemade items and donated a portion of your proceeds to the cause. One question I often hear is “What can I do to help?” The simple answer is — whatever you want! I’m here to help.
We’ve had several successful fundraising events at wonderful businesses like Brady’s in Boothbay Harbor and Robinson’s Wharf in Southport that have raised tens of thousands of dollars. And we also have small crafters like Pat Havener in Friendship who handmakes Buster’s Homegrown catnip toys and every few months she sends in a small donation. Every dollar adds to our campaign’s overall success!
We do hope to see you at our upcoming event on Friday, November 10 at the Maine Mariners ice hockey game in Portland, which will be a celebration of Maine lobstermen. Proceeds will benefit the MLA and tickets can be purchased on our website www.mainelobstermen.org.
Meantime, if you might like to host an event in your community or if you own a small business and want to work together, please feel free to reach out to me at kevin@mainelobstermen.org. Let’s work together to keep our fishermen fishing.