Herring Spawning Closures in Effect
Western Maine and Massachusetts/New Hampshire spawning closures began on September 23 and will continue through November 3. The Massachusetts/New Hampshire spawning area will also be closed for the same period of time.
Island Institute Receives Funds for “Future of Fishing”
The Island Institute in Rockland received $1.4 million to support Maine’s lobstering industry through a new initiative. The funding comes from the Small Business Administration and was championed by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King. It will be used to launch a “Future of Fishing” effort which aims to bolster the state’s lobstering industry by expanding economic opportunities for coastal communities and focusing on sustainability. The three-year-long effort will be led by the Island Institute and “will create a network of statewide organizations that will develop and deploy assistance programs to businesses, communities, and individuals,” the institute said in the release.
Right Whales Hanging Out Offshore Long Island
More than 82 North Atlantic right whales - including 56 in one day - were spotted swimming together in a multi-grouping pattern that scientists from the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life called “unusual.” Scientists from the Boston-based center spotted the whales, representing over one quarter of the entire North Atlantic right whale population, during a series of flights between the end of July and into August in the Hudson and Block Canyon areas about 40 to 70 miles south of Long Island, along with an abundance of fin and humpback whales, various dolphin species, manta rays, whale sharks, tuna, and sea turtles. The area is highly trafficked by vessels and an unusual feeding ground for the critically endangered species, raising concerns for their safety.
Kelp. Photo courtesy of PenBayPilot.com
Kelp Losing Ground in Southern Maine
Parts of the warming Gulf of Maine have become inhospitable for kelp forests, according to new research from the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay. Between 2001 and 2018, a team led by senior research scientist Doug Rasher combined dive surveys of kelp population and data on ocean temperature to compile the first detailed census of Maine’s kelp forests in nearly 20 years. The results were startling, Rasher said. North of Penobscot Bay, however, kelp forests are still thriving, but south of Casco Bay they had almost disappeared. Water temperatures in the spring and summer are just too hot for kelp, which depend on cold, nutrient rich conditions.
DMR Staff Receive Awards
In September Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher presented the annual Employee Award to Marine Mechanic Specialist Timothy Bennett. Manager of the Year award was presented to Marine Patrol Sergeant Mark Murry. In presenting the Employee Award, Commissioner Keliher praised Bennett’s skill and professionalism. Bennett’s skills allowed him to refit an old boat hull into a functional vessel for the aquaculture inspection team, saving the department $50,000. “Tim is an outstanding employee. He can fix everything,” said Keliher. Sergeant Murry, a 25-year Marine Patrol veteran, oversees Marine Patrol Officers in the district from Harrington to Calais. “Sergeant Murry exemplifies superior leadership and professionalism,” said Keliher. “His unwavering commitment to his co-workers and community members defines him as a Marine Patrol Sergeant.” Sergeant Murry has previously received the Maine Lobstermen’s Association Marine Patrol Officer of the Year, Marine Patrol Lifesaving Award, the Commissioner’s Letter of Appreciation, and the Washington County Officer of the Year Award.
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