M E E T I N G S

Lobster Community Meetings Scheduled

Press Release—This summer Department of Marine Resources’ Commissioner Patrick Keliher will once again conduct a series of meetings in coastal communities with members of Maine’s lobster industry. These meetings are representative of Commissioner Keliher’s longstanding commitment to dialogue with Maine’s lobster industry.

The Maine Legislature, as well as the Governor’s Office, continue to review issues associated with the lobster limited entry system, as well as limited entry fisheries in general. The Commissioner and staff will give an update on the current status of the lobster fishery, discuss concepts for balancing the existing entry and exit system, and review possible future steps.

These meetings provide an opportunity for industry members to ask questions and to discuss issues of importance with the Department of Marine Resources.

Members of the industry are encouraged to attend to provide input prior to the next legislative session.

Following is a schedule of the meetings:

Mon., Aug. 31, Deer-Isle Stonington High School – Cafeteria

Tues., Sept. 1,Vinalhaven School – Auditorium

Tues., Sept. 8, Oceanside High School, Rockland – Performing Arts Center

Wed., Sept. 9, University of Southern Maine, Portland – Talbot Lecture Hall – 1st floor of Luther Bonney Hall

Tues., Sept. 22, University of Maine, Machias – Science Building, Room 102

Wed., Sept. 23, Ellsworth High School – Cafeteria

Tue., Sept. 29, Kennebunk High School – Cafeteria

Wed., Sept. 30, Wiscasset High School – Cafeteria

All meetings are at 6pm, with the exception of the Vinalhaven meeting which is scheduled for 3pm.

Please be sure to check the DMR website, www.maine.gov/dmr, as meeting dates/locations are subject to change.