Attention Lobstermen: DMR Fall 2018 ME-NH Inshore Trawl Survey Begins October 1

The fall groundfish trawl survey conducted by the State of Maine Dept. of Marine Resources is scheduled to begin October 1 in New Hampshire working east to Lubec. The ME/NH trawl survey provides valuable information for the management of important commercially harvested species. However, not completing all of the proposed tows could jeopardize the use of our data for state and federal lobster and finfish management. To address this, we will be stepping up our effort to move gear within the published tows. If gear continues to be a problem, stronger measures may be considered. As in the past, we ask that on the scheduled day of the tow, an area 1/8th mile on either side of the tow line be clear of fixed gear. We make every effort to avoid contact with gear by making at least one and often two passes on the tow line before we set our gear. However, if buoys are running under, we cannot see them and mistakenly conclude that the area is clear. Clearing the area of gear avoids gear contact.

Each Class I, II and III lobster license holder will receive a general mailing consisting of a large map and coordinates of published tows. Maps are also available online. If weather does not permit us to work, we expect that lobstermen will not be fishing that day. Therefore, it is our hope that everyone, the trawl survey and lobstermen, will slide the schedule one day forward. Marine Patrol will be on hand as well to assist with tow operations, including moving traps. Because weather and mechanical difficulties occasionally throw us off schedule, we have established several ways to assist you in obtaining accurate information. You can avoid the need for Marine Patrol to handle gear by clearing an area of gear 1/8th mile on either side of the 1 nautical mile towline for day of the tow. Latitude/Longitude and TD coordinates for tow locations and schedules can be found at www.maine.gov/dmr/science-research/projects/trawlsurvey/fl18/index.html.

For more detailed charts, call Rebecca Peters 633-9530 (office), 557-5276 (cell) or email Rebecca.j.peters@maine.gov. Boat Contacts: F/V Robert Michael monitors Channels 16 and 13. Boat cell phone 557-5276 (Chief Scientist Rebecca Peters). FMI: www.maine.gov/dmr/science-research/projects/trawlsurvey/index.html