Maine Lobster Zone A Council Meeting Minutes, January 6, 2010

Zone A Meeting
Lobster Zone Council
Washington Academy Library
East Machias
January 6, 2010
6:00 p.m.

Election of Officers – keep the same

Laura Ludwig – DMR & GOMLF – Ghost gear update
2 yr. project – 10 boats per zone – 2 days only. Some time in April. Laura asked for input on collection point – est. 100 traps/boat/day

LAC Update – unanimous no tiered license system. Does info get out well enough? Wet storage penalty and discussion on 3 yr. license suspension for trap molestation. Double tagging to be voted on for Zones B & C. 49%/51% a non issue for Zone A.

Disc. on Legislative Session. G. Lapointe attended - spoke on state budget. Will be heard before Appropriations 1/7. DMR needed to contribute to the 1.2 million in savings to avoid further cuts. He recommended contacting your rep. for your input. Consolidation of warden services. G.L. asked for input from Zone Council on saltwater licensing – should state have the lead? Feds will take it over in 2 years – Does zone endorse – straw poll vote to support.

Discussion on licensing processors to handle claw and knuckle meat.

Discussed bill that would allow Commissioner to close an area to fishing for public safety and welfare concerns.

Discussed license for bait fishing

Discussion on end line log – Will be sent again next year

G.L. overview on ocean energy – U Maine – wind power – pay attention to permitting

Marketing – bigger & better

Herring Update