FROM THE CROWE’S NEST

The Best Defense

The late start to the lobster season has a lot of fishermen talking. Nothing new, there is always talk about variations in the new season. No lobster, high prices, lingering shedders, good catch, low prices, sudden end to the season, etc. Scientists have more recently been trying to get a handle on what goes on in these variations. Their interest has increased as the decline in other fisheries continues.

As the importance of the lobster fishery to Maine increases relative to other fisheries, as well as past productivity, so has the pressure to regulate and analyze it. The fact is, the lobster fishery now has a lot of economic weight on it’s shoulders.

The Lobstermen’s Town Hall annually sheds light on issues that are down the road as well as those already in our back yard.

Beyond the vulnerabilities of having one fishery, there are, “whoda thunk” impact possibilities. European groups want to measure the amount of carbon an industry puts into the atmosphere and stamp products with a carbon impact number for consumers to judge. Some see the U.S. doing the same soon.

Bogus news items can be flashed around the world in seconds before the item’s credibility is given a second look. The Whole Foods Market’s, lobster as Bambi bruhaha, blew over nearly as fast as it started, but not before practically everyone had seen it.

Back in the real world more fishermen are financing boats for larger amounts. At the same, while the total catch is rising, there is a price limit the lobster market will bear. Add to this the lobbyist’s “magic wallet” turning langostino prawns into lobster and Mad Max Strahan suing lobstermen over a whale they’ve never encountered and pretty soon it’s clear Maine lobstermen are facing a charge of the light-headed brigade.

Although the bait issue was not on the Town Hall docket this year, it remains the 900 lb. gorilla for the lobster fishery. Herring bait, since it is also feed, is important for catching and growing lobster. Who gets the herring is critical, but with 40,000 U.S. and Canadian harvesters, GOM herring could be brought to the squeaky wheel.

The Maine Lobstermen’s Association has been forced into a defensive legal position with Strahan. With others lining up to take shots at the fishery, maybe it’s time to look at what Napoleon had said and any divorce lawyer will say, the best defense is a good offense.