The NOAA Fisheries sponsored informational meeting held Thursday night at their Gloucester facility did nothing to alleviate lobstermen’s deeply held concerns over the NOAA observer-spy program.
The lobstermen’s greatest concern is safety; safety for their crew, the observer-spy, and for themselves, along with the liability issues and lawsuits that will fall squarely on their shoulders when the accidental injury or drowning invariably occurs. The financial burden will be huge because of the adjusted insurance rates and the fact that the boats will now be forced to carry expensive safety equipment; combined costs in the tens of thousands of dollars. The observer-spies carry sleeping bags, pillows, personal coolers, measuring boards, baskets, and buckets. When asked about her experience on a lobster boat, NOAA representative Sara Weeks admitted that she had never been on a lobster boat. On a small boat, where there is barely enough room for a second crew member, the panelists did not seem to comprehend the dangerous situation they are forcing upon the lobstermen.
The president of the Massachusetts Lobsterman’s Association, Arthur Sawyer, pointed out that although over fifteen years of data has been collected by the state of Massachusetts, this information was not sought by NOAA. The company contracted by NOAA to carry out the gestapo-like spy program is called MRAG Americas. Andrew Rosenberg owns MRAG. He was also the former Deputy Director of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (or the fox evaluating the chicken coop, see below).
Reportedly, MRAG is paid approximately $800.00 – $900.00 for every spy. The spy is paid roughly $125.00 to $150.00. MRAG pockets the rest (this program is huge and there are thousands upon thousands of these observer-spies). Now that there are few to no ground fishing boats on which to position the spies, MRAG and NOAA have suddenly targeted the Massachusetts lobstermen. Afterall, they have to keep the gravy train collecting our tax payer dollars to spy on our fellow citizens.
“Sea days” are the number of days the lobstermen will be forced to allow an observer-spy on their boat. This information, although available to the NOAA representatives, was conveniently and purposefully withheld from the lobstermen at the time of the meeting.
Lady J. Gloucester Lobster Boat at Daybreak
Good Morning Gloucester 
I encountered a lady fishing Nazi from NOAA when photographing Lady Jane at the Railways early one morning for the Gloucester’s Finest Kind calendar in 2011. I found her presence very alarming, and she also had never been on a fishing vessel before as she prepared to board Lady Jane. Her presence had a very “big brother” feel to it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I went to the meeting to try to better understand what is happening in our community and was shocked to witness fellow Gloucester citizens being treated in such an offensive and fascist manner. And doubly dismayed at the apparent lack of comprehension on the part of the panelists at the safety risks in which the observer-spy program subjects the lobstermen and spy. They were far more interested in presenting their power point presentation and were unable to provide answers to real questions about safety and liability.
Massachusetts lobstermen do not need assistance from Big Brother on how to fish sustainably. Massachusetts lobstermen understand that they are protecting their livelihood and valuable ecosystem by harvesting lobsters sustainably. Following minimum and maximum size regulations and tail notching are just just some of the fishing methods conscientiously practiced by Massachusetts lobstermen.
Thank you for commenting E.J. Great to have you back!
To the person who commented anonymously: I am not approving anonymous comments. Standby what you write!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I subscribe to Indeed Job finding website.
This ad always pops up in my mail box.
These fishery management businesses seem to be a “Make work” Industry.
Or “Let’s see what kind of useless jobs the government is willing to pay for”
LikeLiked by 2 people
OOPS! HERE’S THE AD;
” Gloucester Environmental Technician (Lobster Management)
AIS Inc 5 reviews – Gloucester, MA
O Extensive data entry and auditing of lobster permit data. O Designing and distributing lobster trap program information fliers and registration forms….
24 days ago – save job – email – more…”
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s very interesting that you brought this up. One of the questions asked of the panel was, instead of hiring observer-spies who had never been on a boat before, why don’t they hire unemployed fishermen. Weeks replied that they didn’t have success with the fishermen because they couldn’t handle the math and science component of the job. Boy, did that comment not sit well with the audience!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very simple folks. The lobster men need to band together and collectively say no, and no compromises. Go lobstering, and collectively tell these government pukes to pound sand. What will they do? Mass arrests? I don’t think so. Make it a media spectacle. The public will stand with the lobster men just like they did the Market Basket people.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you are correct MAJack; the more people are aware of this type of treatment towards fellow community members, the less likely it can take hold.
LikeLike
This is an absurd program designed with one goal: to funnel taxpayer dollars into the pockets of the observer-spies and their employer. NOAA has utterly failed to rationalize this program or consider the huge risks to life and limb. As another commentator said, the only answer is for lobstermen to unite and get the public behind them. We also need to contact our elected representatives to motivate them to take action.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do an FOIA request to NOAA more than likely be highly redacted copy sent?…There is not reason for lack of any transparency face to face…treat people like you would want to be treated and the golden rule applies. 😦 Dave
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Dave, really good suggestion. Weeks said the “sea days” information would be released at a later date; will be very interesting to see how many.
LikeLike
There are much bigger people issues in life to deal with for sure…:-) Dave
LikeLike
Before of these hacks set foot on a commercial lobster boat they should be required, and this suggestion is perfectly legal, to sign a “release” which states, at least in part, that the observer is on the boat against the wishes of the captain, that the observer understands that lobstering is an inherently dangerous occupation that can result in injury or death, that the observer relieves the captain and all others from any liability for injury or death, that the observer indemnifies the captan, the owners of the boat and all others for any damage to the boat caused by the negligence or will acts of the observer, that the observe understands and agrees that the captain is the sole authority on the boat and will follow the commands of the captain without question and that the observer has sufficient liability insurance in place should the observer cause injury to the captain or any and all crew.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tremendous idea Richard.
LikeLike
Time for “Wicked Lobsta’s”. Let’s showcase our proud and brave fishermen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this idea!!
LikeLike
I myself have never been on a lobster boat. But I’ve seen them, and even someone like myself without any experience, can easily see there is no room for one of these so-called observers!
This is insane! Please post any follow up meetings publicly.
Good Luck Lobstermen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Recently read about this meeting in the Salem Evening News. Absurd! My fiance owns his own lobster boat, is one of the hardest self-employed workers I’ve ever encountered & my daughter is his First Mate. I was appalled to read that the woman presenting this “spy-suggestion” has never set foot on a lobster boat. As stated above, the small quarters one has to work on a lobster boat, along with traps, ropes, etc. make it one of the most dangerous professions. What do they think they will gain by measuring, overseeing & coming aboard. Anyone who works a lobster boat knows if you don’t play by the rules, there are consequences. Not only is the suggested idea dangerous, it also cuts into the limited time for the fisherman to conduct his job efficiently.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for writing celinavray and auctionwilly. Your points are well taken and I completely agree. Installing these so-called observers is a tragedy waiting to happen.
LikeLike
great posting and comments. can you do an update?
LikeLike