Lobster Zone D Council Meeting
January 14, 2009
Rockland Ferry Terminal
6:00 PM
Meeting called to order at 6:05.
Members Present: Michael Dawson, Joseph Bates, David Reed, Dan Staples, Wayne Canning, Darryl Grover, Denny Benner, Dane Somers, Jason Hooper, Doug McLennan, Robert Morris, Michael Hutchings, Kevin Benner, James Wotton, Kevin Glover, Gerry Cushman, Ryan Post and Sarah Cotnoir.
Motion to accept minutes: All in favor
Delegates Reports:
LAC: There was talk about a freeze at the LAC and that got voted down. Then there was talk about a control date and that also got voted down. The sub committee is working on a tiered license system. There was talk about how we should be talking about an end line reduction instead of a trap reduction, so people will think of lines out of the water and not just traps. Also there is going to be an increase in licenses in 2010 by about 15 percent.
ASMFC: There is going to be a meeting coming up and they are going to continue to talk about how to stop people from transferring into area 1.
Whales: There was an article in a paper that said they might be hanging around in the Jordan Basin.
Zone C: Both meetings that have been scheduled have been called off. There is a meeting tomorrow and they want to vote to close the zone. There was also talk about adopting a # of licenses per island and to have a ratio to keep the #’s where they want them.
Zone E: Next meeting Tues at 6:30.
DMR Updates: Talked about the Atlantic Herring Draft Addendum. Lobstermen have to have the sinking groundline on by April 5th. Neutrally buoyant line is considered sinking groundline now. This is so people do not confuse the two. Low profile is not a sinking groundline. Rope will have to be changed over by April 5th. People have started the shrimping season. There was not many shrimp to start but they are starting to see a few more, but the price hasn’t been very good this year.
Old Business:
MLPC Update Dane Somers: The promotion council has been focusing on the internet to attracted people because it’s an easy way to interact with a lot of people. The web site is www.lobsterfrommaine.com . The promotion council has a budget between $380,000-$400,000.
Time of day rules: There are some people that say they don’t want any more rules. There were a lot of mixed reviews about the time of day discussion. Dan made a motion to send out of questionnaire and find out how all the fishermen think about this. Jim seconded it. 12 were for and 2 were abstained. The final questionnaire has not been decided on yet but will probably have a few different options like 4 or 5 o’clock. Also during June, July, August.
Gear modifications John Higgins: John talked about the whole rope situation. He brought in a sample with him starting with a buoy, ending with a trap to show people what they needed to do. If anyone has any questions about that call John Higgins at 677-2316.
Date for next meeting Feb. 24th 6:00.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45.
