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Lobster Zone Council Meetings
Zone F council met on January 3 in Yarmouth. Matt Nixon from the State Planning Office gave a presentation on the status of ocean wind energy developments in the state. Members then discussed the two island limited entry proposals brought forth at the last meeting. Cliff Island’s wish to expand the number of licenses on the island from 11 to 15 was discussed favorably. Chebeague Island’s petition to increase island licenses from 31 to 36 generated more discussion. The island currently has two lobstermen on the waiting list for a license and two others in the apprentice program. The discussion focused on the increase in effort that might arise with the larger number of licenses. Zone council members agreed to start the referendum process for Cliff Island but wanted more discussion about the Chebeague Island proposal before moving ahead.
Zone A council met on January 11 in Machias. Members elected Dwight Carver as vice-chairman. Carl Wilson from DMR gave an update on DMR science projects, including a summary of the Tenants Harbor trap density study results. Sarah Cotnoir of DMR gave a summary of the December Large Whale Take Reduction Team meeting. Then members discussed a petition from lobstermen from a specific harbor to allow just four traps per trawl in their area. The purpose of the petition was to prevent accidents and personal injuries as a result of trawls set over regular trap gear. After much discussion, the members agreed to send the request out to all the lobstermen in Zone A as a referendum.
Zone G council met on January 19 in York. Sarah Cotnoir gave a summary of the December Large Whale Take Reduction Team meeting. She also presented a summary of marine-related bills that will be before the legislature this winter. Laura Ludwig from the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation spoke about upcoming derelict gear removal activities. Carl Vickerson, the new Marine Patrol officer for the region, was introduced. Then members discussed a suggestion to reduce the number of traps used in the Scarborough area from 800 to 600. No action was taken by council members.
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