Lobster Fishers Meet

Lobstermen from Around World Coming to Maine Through MLA Exchange
2/25/2010 1:07:00 PM Email this article • Print this article
Lobstermen from several countries around the world will be visiting Maine March 4 through 14 through a Fishermen's Exchange organized by the Maine Lobstermen's Association (MLA). The seven visiting lobstermen - from Tasmania, West Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and the Caribbean - will meet with Maine lobstermen.

The Fishermen's Exchange begins with a Midcoast Regional Meeting on Thursday, March 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Maine Fishermen's Forum at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. Exchange participants will spend three days at the forum networking with Maine fishermen. Afterwards they will hit the road - visiting wharves and local businesses, attending community dinners and hosting talks in Down East, midcoast and southern Maine locations. Maine lobstering families are providing homestays and organizing community events for their international counterparts.

Maine lobstermen are encouraged to attend meetings and "talk shop" with their peers from overseas, sharing ideas on gear, bait usage and how to weather the recession.

A Down East Regional Meeting will be held at Ellsworth City Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9; and a Southern Regional Meeting will be held at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 12. Lobstermen are encouraged to attend.

The Fishermen's Exchange will host events in Cutler on March 7 and 8, Jonesport on March 8, Mount Desert Island area on March 8 and 9, Stonington on March 9 and 10, Vinalhaven on March 10 and 11, Phippsburg on March 11 and 12, and Long Island and Portland March 12 through 14. The visiting lobstermen will also attend the Boston Seafood Show on Sunday, March 14. For more information, call 967-4555 or e-mail patrice@mainelobstermen.org.