Day: February 25, 2010

From The Island Institute via Monkeyfist at the Casco Bay Boaters Blog–

Lobstermen from all over the world will travel to Maine March 4-14 through the Lobstermen’s Exchange organized by the Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA).

Seven lobstermen from Tasmania, West Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and the Caribbean will meet with Maine lobstermen.

It begins with a Mid-coast Regional Meeting March 4 from 3:00 to 5:00 at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. Exchange participants will spend 3 days at the forum networking with Maine fishermen. Afterwards, the Lobstermen’s Exchange will hit the road-visiting wharves, local businesses, attending community dinners and hosting talks in Downeast, Midcoast and southern Maine locations. Maine families are graciously providing home-stays and organizing community events for their international lobstermen counterparts.

Maine lobstermen are encouraged to come “talk shop” with their peers from overseas and share ideas on gear, bait-usage and how to weather the recession.

A Downeast regional meeting will be held at the Ellsworth City Hall from 2:00 to 4:00 on March 9 and a Southern regional meeting will be held at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute from 2:00 to 4:00 on March 12. Lobstermen are encouraged to attend.

The Lobstermen’s Exchange will host events in Cutler on March 7-8, Jonesport on March 8, Mount Desert Island area on March 8-9, Stonington on March 9-10, Vinalhaven on March 10-11, Phippsburg on March 11-12, Long Island and Portland on March 12-14. International lobstermen will attend the Boston Seafood Show on March 14.

“During these challenging times, it’s important to share information and hear about what’s working for lobstermen in other regions,” said Patrice McCarron, Executive Director of the MLA.

Funding for this project is provided by the Maine Sea Grant, Maine Fishermen’s Forum, Island Institute, Maine Research, Education and Development Fund and in-kind support from Maine’s fishing communities and the MLA.

For more information, call 207.967.4555 or email patrice@mainelobstermen.org. Find more dates and times at www.mainelobsterme.org.