Lobster Zone E Meeting Notes
Lincoln County Communications Center - Wiscasset
6:30 p.m. – June 5, 2007

Present: John Seiders, Larry Knapp, Gary Snowman, Robert Royall, Tyler Hodgdon, Mark Cheney, Carl Wilson, Sarah Cotnoir and Kathleen Reardon.

Absent: Tobin Densmore, Ira Pinkham, Jimbo Lang, Guy Randlett, Corey Pottle, John Tarbox, Fred Farnham,

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Larry Knapp

Larry Knapp gave an update on the Lobster Advisory Council meeting. Larry talked about an increase that is being proposed to increase the escape-vent opening, there was no support among council members, and they would like to see research on oversize escape vent first. Larry said the LAC voted to ban alternative bait. Zone E council members said it should be banned until proven safe.

DMR Update – Sarah Cotnoir gave an update on whale rules, she said they are expected to be out this fall. Sarah said that Zone C is talking about limited entry.

Zone E guys want to slow build up to be compatible with 600 trap limit of Zone E, also want to see changes in student and recreational licenses trap limits, this would have to be changed in the law through the legislature.

Leo LaRosa spoke about lobster handling system. The container he demonstrated holds 8 lobsters up to 1 ½ lbs. each, the lobster goes from the boat to the customer with no extra handling of lobsters. Hope to have a premium product and hopefully a premium price. Container only holds 60lbs per crate with this system.

District Representatives Reports – Gary Snowman – real slow, lots of gear on the banks still
Tyler Hodgdon – some lobsters showing up in the rivers
Larry Knapp – concerned with future of fishery, season is off
Robert Royall – lots of growling

 

Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.