Maine Lobstermen's Association Membership Has Many Meanings

What does it mean to be a member of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA), the state’s oldest fishermen’s advocacy group?

“It means I’m informed on anything I need to know — regulations, gauge increase plan, anything,” said Erick Harjula, a South Thomaston lobsterman.

Harjula is surprised that all lobstermen aren’t MLA members. “The MLA helps us in the long run. “I learn new things every time I read the newspaper [Landings]. I don’t understand why more don’t sign up.”

There are as many reasons to join the MLA as there are lobstermen in Maine. MLA photo.

Harjula’s oldest boy is 12 and lobsters with a student license on his own. In January Harjula and his wife welcomed a new son. “I want my oldest boy to be able to go for the rest of his life. I want my new son to have access as well. Everything the MLA does is helpful to us. I will always be an MLA member.”

For others, being an MLA member means having strength to fight against regulatory overreach and punitive regulations.

Jim Smith of Jonesport is an MLA member because “I’m scared to death what will happen when the people who think we kill right whales get finished with us. Honestly, I’m a member to keep from being put out of business.”

He fumes about the idea of ropeless lobster fishing and the incredible expense that it will pose to lobstermen operating smaller boats. “I think it’s a good idea to be part of a group that is supposed to be looking out for us. Most of the time the MLA is,” Smith said.

To members like Nate Snow of Bass Harbor, having the MLA attend the multitude of meetings related to the lobster fishery at the state, regional and federal levels gives a sense of assurance.

Snow is a first-generation lobsterman. “My brother and I got into it as summer jobs. I just loved it and stuck with it,” he said. It’s that love that caused him to join the MLA. “I know that when I’m on the water someone is fighting for us at the ASMFC or TRT or some other meeting. They are hiring the lawyers to sit in the courtroom. That’s so valuable.”

The cost of MLA membership seems modest to Snow, compared to other things. “Look, we pay three times the price for a license every year. I’m sending $1500 to the state — MLA membership seems low. Everyone should be a member,” Snow said.

“If I’m going to donate money it’s going to go to something that benefits me and the fishery. The MLA is organized for lobstermen and their families and fishing communities. You know what your money is going for,” explained Kevin Glover, an Owls Head lobsterman.

Glover recognizes that lobstering is not the same throughout the Maine coast and that all lobstermen definitely do not think alike. Still, having one organization representing the lobster fishery matters. “The MLA makes us more of one voice even though we are not all the same,” Glover said. “The more people on board the better off we are.”

For others, being an MLA member may be part of a family tradition. Sam Sewall, York, doesn’t remember exactly when he first became an MLA member. “I think I was 15. My dad [Mark Sewall] is a member and my grandfather [Elly Sewall] was a member. My dad helped me sign up the first time,” he said.

While the MLA has been working for Maine lobstermen for many decades before Sewall was born, he understands just how important the organization is for lobstermen of his generation. “The MLA is a great resource for the industry. From organizing and holding meetings to representation in rulemaking decisions and the legal defense situation, it is very important that lobstermen have the MLA to work on these things on our behalf,” Sewall said.

For the many marine businesses that are MLA members, the reasons for joining are both practical and profound. Hamilton Marine in Searsport takes pride in its long-standing MLA membership.

“Hamilton Marine has been proud to support the MLA and Maine’s commercial fishing community for many years. Our relationship with the MLA gives us an opportunity not only to support our customers, but also to stand behind an industry that is such an important part of Maine’s heritage, economy and way of life,” said Renee Kitchens, director of marketing.

“Looking ahead, we hope the MLA continues to be a strong voice for Maine’s lobstermen, advocating for the industry and helping ensure that decisions affecting the fishery are informed by the people whose livelihoods depend on it.”