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L A N D I N G S
NEWS & VIEWS FROM MAINE'S LOBSTERING COMMUNITY
In January 2013, the MLCA launched Landings, a monthly newspaper which balances
its content amongst science, history, resource sustainability, economic development,
and human interest stories. Through Landings, MLCA educates the public and lobster
industry stakeholders about the unique characteristics of Maine’s lobstering traditions,
its history and heritage, ongoing research to maintain the sustainability of the resource,
and its non-harmful and non-wasteful commercial fishing practices.
Distributing more than 6,500 copies of this 24+page publication free via mail each
month to all of Maine’s commercial lobstermen, state government agency staff, elected
state officials, Congressional delegation, subscribers, marine businesses; and to the
public at various locations around the state including ferry terminals, marine supply
stores and annual educational forums.
To Your Health: How to stay safe when you fish alone
By Ann Backus, MS Maine has a variety of fisheries. Those who fish for lobster, clams, and who practice aquaculture are more likely to fish alone than those in the scallop or multispecies fisheries. These fisheries are often managed by sole proprietors, i.e., involve self-employed fishermen. Single-handed fishermen use various sizes of boats, but generally fish within three miles of shore. Lobster Institute Photo. In these fisheries, less complicated fishing gear means a pers
Mar 34 min read
Fishermen's Safety First and Foremost
By Liz Michaud, Green and White Hope Founder/President Green and White Hope Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2025, working to prevent fatalities among commercial fishermen through safety programs and technology advancement, while also advancing recovery capabilities among Maine communities that rely on the sea. This mission was inspired by the loss of my 18-year-old nephew while he was lobster fishing off the coast of Steuben on July 21, 2023. Liz Michaud, f
Feb 23 min read
To Your Health: Meeting fishermen, where they are
By Stacey Roberts, Healthy Harvester program As a member of the Deer Isle community, I have witnessed firsthand the unique challenges fishermen face every day. Long hours, physical risks, and the constant pressure to provide for their families often leave little room to prioritize health and well-being. That is why I was so excited to accept the role of Community Health Worker for the Healthy Harvester Program. Image Info Here Healthy Harvester is a community-driven initiativ
Feb 22 min read
To Your Health: Frostbite is no joke
By Ann Backus, MS We have already had some pretty cold days with low temperatures and gale warnings on the Northeast Coast. By this time lobstermen should have switched to polypropylene and insulated gloves and socks when they are hauling. Your first layer should be poly and the second an insulating layer. The goal is to wick moisture away from hands and feet and also insulate hands and feet from a wet and windy environment. Frostnip occurs when the fingers, toes, nose or ear
Jan 73 min read
To Your Health: Rest, relaxation crucial for continued health
It’s the end of the year. After fishing hard for months, your traps are in and the ropes are coiled. If someone asks you how you’re doing, it’s likely your answer will be “I’m tired.” Only with rest and sleep can your muscles recuperate from a long hard season. Wikipedia photo. And that’s to be expected. Lobstermen place their bodies and minds under a lot of stress, day in and day out. Muscles are called on to lift and turn and bend while bouncing around on the sea. Getting u
Dec 2, 20253 min read
To Your Health: Arthritis and Fishing
By Hariprasad Korsapati, MD, and Ann Backus, MS All of us in the Northeast, fishermen and non-fishermen, are moving into the cold season. Some of us notice this change, not only in the outside temperature but also in our joints. Colder temperatures can cause our joints to feel sore or stiff. Any joints can be affected. For fishermen joint pain can be debilitating given how highly involved in fishing all the joints are — shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees and ankles. Arthri
Nov 6, 20254 min read
To Your Health: Pain Management Without Addiction
By Erika Anderson, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, and Ann Backus Temporary aches and pains are very common, especially among...
Sep 26, 20253 min read
To Your Health: Lack of Sleep Means You Are Running on Empty
By Tiffany Tam, MD, MPH, and Ann Backus, MS, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health “I’m 56 years old. I haven’t had a good night’s...
Aug 28, 20253 min read
To Your Health: When a simple cut becomes a fight for life
By Jeremy Berger, DO, MS, MPH and Ann Backus, MS, Harvard Chan School for Public Health It was midmorning and you were hauling traps when...
Jul 31, 20255 min read
To Your Health: Prediabetes is a wake-up call
It is commonly known that diabetes is growing more prevalent in the United States. In 2021, 14.7% (38.1 million) of people over 18 were...
Jun 27, 20253 min read
Training Workshops Help Downeast Fishermen Be Safer at Sea
By Windy Jansen, Fishing Partnership Support Services This spring, from the rocky shores of Jonesport to remote Great Cranberry and Isle...
Jun 3, 20252 min read
To Your Health: Protecting your eyes now will bring future benefits
“Here comes the sun!” sang The Beatles a long, long time ago. Sure enough, the cool damp days of spring are giving way to the bright, hot...
Jun 3, 20252 min read
To Your Health: Now's the time to eat like an athlete
We’ve all heard that old saying: “You are what you eat!” Fishermen need to take those words to heart because, whether they know it or...
May 1, 20253 min read
To Your Heath: Be aware of what you're breathing
By Jeremy Berger and Ann Backus, Harvard Chan School of Public Health Have you come across any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) recently?...
Apr 3, 20252 min read
Safety At Sea Begins with Training, Preparation
The Fishermen Safety Seminar at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum began with a dramatic video on how to do things right during an emergency at...
Apr 3, 20253 min read
To Your Health: What you eat matters to your health, today and in the future
By Jeremy Berger, DO, and Ann Backus, MS, Harvard Chan School of Public Health Life for a Maine lobsterman is tough: long hours at sea,...
Feb 26, 20254 min read
Navigation Going High Tech
It wasn’t that long ago when you could stand at a lobster boat helm and see only a compass and VHF radio. The amount and type of...
Feb 4, 20253 min read
To Your Health: Stay Hydrated During the Winter
It’s cold out. Really cold — sea smoke rising in the morning, ice on the deck, hands numb as a post. Not the sort of weather that makes...
Feb 4, 20253 min read
To Your Health: Stress and building resiliency
By Erika Anderson, MD, and Ann Backus, MS, Harvard Chan School of Public Health In today’s ever-changing and fast-paced world, there’s...
Jan 9, 20253 min read
To Your Helath: Strengthen, Protect Your Knees for the Long Haul
By Tiffany Tam, MD, and Ann Backus, MS, Harvard Chan School of Public Health For many Maine lobstermen, the Gulf of Maine is more than...
Dec 5, 20243 min read
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