MLA Sends Free V-Notch tools to New Harvesters

The MLA mailed a surprise “Welcome to the Industry” gift to more than 100 recently licensed Maine lobstermen, ages 18 to 22. Thanks to the Farm Credit AgEnhancement program, the MLA was able to send each one a high quality, solid steel V-notch tool so the next generation can continue to protect the lobster stock.

Lobstermen began voluntarily marking eggers decades ago as a way to ensure the survival of the fishery. The practice gained support after World War II; 1948, Maine passed a law to mark egg-bearing lobsters with a V-shaped notch in the tail rather than a round hole. From that time on, it became known as the V-notch program.

States outside of Maine did not adopt v-notching until 1995 when the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) took over lobster management. V-notching became mandatory under the ASMFC lobster management plan in 2002 for Lobster Management Area 1 and the Gulf of Maine portion of Area 3.

V-notching remains a cornerstone of Maine’s lobster stewardship practices. By marking and protecting egg-bearing female lobsters from future commercial harvest, generations of lobstermen have created a strong, successful fishery.

The MLA is helping to ensure that the next generation has the tools and knowledge to carry forward the stewardship ethic that has long defined Maine lobstermen. Thanks again to Farm Credit East for making distribution of the V-notch tools possible.