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by Maine Department of Marine Resources
The fall survey is scheduled to begin in New Hampshire waters on October 2nd, working its way east to finish up November 10 off Quoddy Head. We hope to complete 125 tows. We will fish the first 5 good days each week using the weekend to make up for bad weather or equipment problems. This should enable us to maintain a predictable schedule as we move up the coast. The vessel is a white fiberglass Down East 54’, the F/V Robert Michael of Portland, Captained by Curt Rice.
The survey is designed to provide information that has not been available to NMFS for stock assessments. Obtaining this information is critical to making rational management decisions. The better information we have about ALL our fisheries resources, the better we can ensure a future for both fishermen and the resource. Fall 2006 Preliminary Schedule and Tow Location Charts Cooperation by the Lobster and Fixed Gear Industries: As in the past, we ask that on the scheduled day of the tow, an area 1/8th mile on either side of the tow line be clear of fixed gear. We make every effort to avoid contact with gear by making at least one and often two passes on the tow line before we set our gear. However, if buoys are running under, we cannot see them and mistakenly conclude that the area is clear. Clearing the area of gear avoids gear contact. Each Class I, II and III lobster license holder will receive a general mailing consisting of a large map and coordinates of published tows. In addition, detailed maps are sent to zone council members. Maps are also available online by clicking the link above. Tows are identified using Loran-C TDs (W-X chains) as taken from the 1:80,000 NOAA Nautical Charts. Note that Loran and GPS-based navigation systems are not exactly the same. One should make the necessary adjustments to conform to the chart readings. If weather does not permit us to work, we expect that lobstermen will not be fishing that day. Therefore, it is our hope that everyone, the trawl survey and lobstermen, will slide the schedule one day forward. Marine Patrol will be on hand as well to assist with tow operations, including moving traps. In a past year there was some disagreement that resulted in activity that placed people and boats in danger. All fishermen should understand that actions that place people and property in unsafe or dangerous circumstances may be violating the law and could be subject to both criminal and civil penalties. We want very much to avoid such situations and ask for your cooperation. If you have concerns, we have set up channels (see below) to communicate them. We do our best to advertise and adhere to the published schedule to avoid prolonged periods of inconvenience to fixed gear fishermen. Because weather and mechanical difficulties occasionally throws us off schedule, we have established several ways to assist you in obtaining accurate information. Communications The best source of information is directly from the boat crew. You may hail them on either channel 16 or 13, and then switch to your preferred local working channel. The crew cell phone is 207-557-5276. Cell phone service can be spotty at times, but messages can be left for the crew to return your call. |
