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CategoriesRecent EntriesCatch shares: A nation dividedSupporting cast growingGetting ready for the rallyWhat's next for Maine's shrimpers?"That conversation is going to have to happen"California cannabis cultivation compromising cohos? No accounting for fund mismanagementAt least put a label on itWhetting your app-etite for Copper River salmonCod cuts illustrate need for March 21 fishermen's rallyRecent CommentsMike Dolan on NOAA is all apologiesBrian on Introducing the iLobsterBen on Introducing the iLobsterBeringFisherman on Groundfish catch shares going bi-coastal Dick Allen on Jane, doh!National Fisherman on Jane, doh!Wreckfish on Jane, doh!Sierra Anderson on Facing factsken grimshaw on Tough loveJessica on Recovery in a snapArchivesMarch 2012February 2012January 2012December 2011November 2011October 2011September 2011August 2011July 2011June 2011« "That conversation is going to have to happen" |Main| Getting ready for the rally »March 06, 2012What's next for Maine's shrimpers?Last week at the Maine Fishermen's forum, Maine shrimpers looked back at another short season. Many are anticipating that allocations will be the next step to control effort in one of the last open-access fisheries.
The 2012 season, which lasted only 7 weeks, still exceeded the 2200 metric ton quota by possibly as much as 400 metric tons (about 880,000 pounds). Maggie Hunter, of the Maine Department of Marine Resources, blamed much of the overages on late reporting by dealers. Her full rundown of the season that breaks down the catch by week and by gear is in the video clip below.
Most agree that something needs to be done, but can it be done fairly? Marshall Alexander of Biddeford Pool who sat on the panel said he wishes there was room for everyone in the fishery, but that the current system just isn't working:
But talk of allocations raised concerns that the fishery could go the way of the state's groundfish fleet. Those in attendence, including Portland fisherman Rob Odlin and Rick Trundy of Stonington, also spoke up against the dangers of this year's set season, which limited catch days to Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and the problem of pitting draggers and trappers against each other as rules may favor one over the other (as you'll see from Maggie's presentation trappers had a tough year in 2012).
It's hard to say what exactly is next for Maine shrimpers. As some pointed out, it's a good winter fishery for those trying hard to make a living year-round in Maine waters. We'll keep you posted in National Fisherman, which will feature an at-sea story from this year's season in an upcoming issue. — Melissa Wood
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