Lobstermen may see a decline in their lobster landings in the near future, according to a study published in the journal Ecological Applications in October. The lead author of the paper, titled “The cresting wave: … Continue reading
Category: Management, ScienceWhen you think about Maine aquaculture, you probably think about salmon, shellfish or seaweed. Interest in these species certainly continues to grow, but that’s not the whole story. Among Maine aquaculturists there are a few … Continue reading
Category: Management, People, ScienceAround a month ago news broke that Canada’s Liberal Party was formally adopting a policy to transition British Columbia’s net pen finfish aquaculture programs to shoreside production facilities as a part of its election platform. … Continue reading
Category: Management, ProgramsThe Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) published a proposed rule in mid-September to implement a unique and expanded gear marking program for Maine beginning in April 2020. The rule proposes to require all vertical … Continue reading
Category: Management, WhalesOn August 30, 2019, the Maine Lobstermen’s Association sent an extensive letter to NOAA Chief Chris Oliver withdrawing support for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 60% risk reduction target and the assignment of responsibility … Continue reading
Category: Management, WhalesIn October the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) concluded its assessment of the risk that Maine lobstermen present to North Atlantic right whales and released the state’s plan to reduce that risk. In a letter … Continue reading
Category: Management, People, WhalesVineyard Wind, the $2.8-billion, 800-megawatt offshore wind project planned for the waters off Martha’s Vineyard, has been delayed due to a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) decision in August to undertake a broad study … Continue reading
Category: ManagementIn my day-to-day work for commercial fishermen on the West Coast I often find the similarities between political issues facing Northern California fisheries and those facing Maine fisheries are striking. In my first column for … Continue reading
Category: Management, PeopleIn late August, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would delay implementation of Tier 4 emission standards for commercial marine engines for three years. The delay would provide relief to boatbuilders and manufacturers … Continue reading
Category: ManagementThe Fall ME-NH trawl survey conducted by the State of Maine, Department of Marine Resources is scheduled to begin September 23, 2019 in New Hampshire working east to Lubec. The more information we have regarding … Continue reading
Category: Management