Maine Lobster Zone A Council Meeting Minutes, September 12, 2007

Zone A Meeting
Lobster Zone Council
Washington Academy Library
East Machias
September 12, 2007
6:00 p.m.

The meeting took place with the following members present: Chris Urquhart, Ernest Kelley, Sr., Oscar Look,Jr., John Drouin, Eric Beal, Dennis Sargent, Sr., Robert Alley, Sr., Kenneth Dennison, Ralph Backman and Bobby Ingalls. Others present were: Norbert Lemieux, Joshua Beal, Curtis Haycock and Jason Colby. The following DMR staff members were present: Sarah Cotnoir and MPO David Dent.

Introduction
J. Drouin – Called the meeting to order. All council members were present and new members were introduced.

Approval of minutes
Minutes from the March 6, 2007 meeting were approved.

Election of Officers
A motion was made and seconded to keep all current elected officers. Council voted to keep same LCMT members the same, Norbert Lemieux as member and Robert Alley as alternate.

Reports and Updates

a. Lobster Advisory Council

Sonny Sprague’s idea of a larger bio-degradable escape vent was not supported. The LAC did not support mandatory random drug testing. Alternative bait distributer’s must list all ingredients on bait that they sell. Ideas on effort reduction were discussed such as no hauling on Sunday’s or Wednesdays.

b. DMR Update

The council was given an update on the new law the affects Monhegan fishermen. There was a discussion about low profile rope; the fishermen were encouraged to give more information to the Take Reduction Team. It is important to mail comments before September 17th. It is possible the implementation date may be extended until October 2010.

The will be a hearing in Machias on Monday at 6:00 pm about reporting.

A trap tag increase of .10 cents was discussed for science research with a recommended 3-year sunset clause.

c. District Representative Reports
Float rope issues and mandated reports.

New Business
a. DMR Legislation
Exit ratio to change to trap tags retired rather than license ratio of 3:1. Zone council will mail a survey with recommendations. LD 1594 – discussion on closed times for hauling beyond the State line, the council generally agreed to bring date back to September 1st.
b. Seed Fund
Council voted to spend fund on 100% liberation, request for a larger female.

Motion was made to adjourn.

Minutes submitted by Oscar Look