Maine Lobster Zone F Council Meeting Minutes
Lobster Zone F Council Meeting
Yarmouth Town Hall – Community Room
October 25, 2007 – 7:00 p.m.
Present: Elliott Thomas, David Merryman, David Johnson, Glenn Rogers, Jeff Adams, Gary Hawkes, Clayton Whidden, Eric Anderson, Lyman Kennedy, Bill Doane, Jeff Putnam, Sgt. Paul Joyce and Sarah Cotnoir.
Call to Order
David Merryman called the meeting to order and introductions were made at 7:35.
Election of Officers
Nomination made for David Merryman to be Chair was made by Gary Hawkes, nomination seconded by David Johnson.
Nomination made for Jeff Adams to be Vice Chair was made by David Merryman, seconded by David Johnson.
Nomination made for Eric Anderson to be secretary was made by David Merryman, nomination seconded by Gary Hawkes.
Nomination made for David Johnson to be LCMT rep. was made by David Merryman, nomination was seconded by Gary Hawkes.
Reports and Updates
Elliott Thomas gave an update of the LAC Meeting. Elliot reported that the LAC had a presentation from a Tsasmamen lobsterman on their quota fishier. Each trap had a quota of 300 pounds and a fisherman may have up to 300 traps. The total quota for a fisherman is 300 pounds x the number of traps fished, so not every trap had to catch 300 pounds.
There was presentation from Leo Lerossa on tubes for holding, handling and shipping lobsters.
The trawl survey was going on, the Marine Patrol was going to be more aggressive on moving gear that was in the way. The Marine Patrol may go to a rule making it illegal to leave gear in the tows if it continues to be a wide spread problem. The LAC voted 5 to 4 for a .20-cent increase for trap tags to fund whale research. Double tagging will be going back to DMR advisory council for review.
Sonny Sprague petitioned the board for a larger opening on the bio panel/vent.
Alternative bait will need to be labeled December 1.
There are two cases going to court involving draggers from Maine keeping lobsters.
Next meeting is set for November 28.
DMR update by Sarah Cotnoir:
All new laws went into effect September 20, 2007.
Monhegan fishermen voted to increase the time for apprentice from 150hr to 200hr.
Zone C had an informal meeting to discuss limited zone entry.
Shrimp tactical committee to meet this month to set season.
There are two bounds for the working waterfront, question 4 and 12.
The state is deciding if it should bring a lawsuit due to the new whale rules.
Trap tags will increase .10-cents for whale research, not .20-cents.
District Representatives
Marine Patrol Report
No new news.
Business
A motion from the audience to limit stringers in Zone F to a maximum of 12-traps. The board decided to table this issue until the next meeting.
Adjournment:
A motion to adjourn was made by David Johnson, seconded by Gary Hawkes. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
