Maine Lobster Zone F Council Meeting Minutes
Lobster Zone F Council Meeting
Yarmouth Town Hall
March 12, 2008
Attendance
Tom Bennett, Glenn Rogers, Chuck Romel, Clayton Whidden, David Johnson, Elliot Thomas, David Merryman, Gary Hawkes, Eric Anderson, Jeff Putnam, Jeff Adams, Don Ulrickson, Chris Andrews, Mike Wintle, Dean Wintle, John Dinan, Warner Ogden, Ryan Libby, Adam Libby, Mike Libby, Bill Coppersmith, Greg Turner, John Cornish, Joe Fessenden, Keith Flett, Lynda Doughty, Bill Doane, Lyman Kennedy, Jim Merryman, Herman Coombs and Paul Fisher.
Call to Order
David Merryman called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. At this time introductions were also made.
3 Mile Line
There was a discussion about Zone Lines ending at the Three Mile Line as well as how it pertained to the Zone F area outside the line. Joe Fessenden suggested negotiations with Zone G may help Zone F acquire more area outside three miles, as well as acknowledging Zone F fishermen’s historic presence in this area. Multiple discussions ensued around the relatively small amount of bottom F fishermen have full access to, and how the may have evolved as voting lines turned into fishing lines. Ideas on how this can be changed were also exchanged.
Marine Patrol Report
Jeff Putnam questioned whether shrimp fishing had precedence over fixed lobster gear. Lt. John Cornish responded that only in certain cases: the Marine Patrol had moved gear to avoid babysitting the gear.
D.M.R. Updates
District I will vote for a replacement for Dale Doucette, who has resigned.
Zone G voted for an apprentice sponsor requirement. One now must apprentice in Zone G in order to obtain a G license.
Effort Reduction
A tag freeze was suggested. Gary Hawkes felt this may cause a problem as Zone F has many older fishermen. David Johnson suggested tag transferability. Other ideas were suggested.
Sea Sampling
Funding for sea sampling on the federal level may soon expire.
Traps on Trawl Limit
There was a discussion on whether the number of traps on a trawl should be limited in entire zone. The council decided to leave this issue alone.
Limited Entry
The Zone F limited entry survey was presented in preliminary form. After some discussion a motion to accept this survey was made by Jeff Putnam. Elliot Thomas seconded the motion. All were in favor.
New Business
Jeff Adams requested amendments to by-laws be placed on May’s agenda.
Adjournment:
David Merryman made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Gary Hawkes; all in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
