MLA Announcement

International lobstermen to visit Maine through MLA Lobstermen's Exchange

Lobstermen from all over the world will travel to Maine March 4-14 through a Lobstermen’s Exchange organized by the Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA).

Seven lobstermen from Tasmania, West Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and the Caribbean will meet with Maine lobstermen.

It begins with a Midcoast Regional Meeting March 4 from 3 p.m. 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, the Exchange will hit the road—visiting wharves and local businesses, attending community dinners, and hosting talks in Downeast, Midcoast and southern Maine locations. Maine families are graciously providing home-stays and organizing community events for their international lobstermen counterparts.

Maine lobstermen are encouraged to come “talk shop” with their peers from overseas and share ideas on gear, bait-usage and ways to weather the recession.
“During these challenging times, it’s important to share information and hear about what’s working for lobstermen in other regions,” said Patrice McCarron, Executive Director of the MLA.

Funding for this project is provided by the Maine Sea Grant, Maine Fishermen’s Forum, Island Institute, Maine Research, Education and Development Fund and in-kind support from Maine’s fishing communities and the MLA.

For more information, call 207.967.4555 or email patrice@mainelobstermen.org

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
March 4
Lobstermen's Exchange kick-off and Midcoast Regional meeting. 3-5pm. Samoset Resort, Rockport

March 7
Lobstermen's Exchange in Cutler. Community dinner at 5pm. Cutler United Methodist Church

March 8 (Morning)
Tour of Cutler

March 8 (Afternoon)
Lobstermen’s Exchange in Jonesport.
Open House at Tall Barney’s
12:30 - 2:00 pm

March 8 (Evening)
Lobstermen’s Exchange in MDI area.
Community Dinner in Fire House
in Somesville. 5:30 pm

March 9 (Morning)
Tour of MDI area

March 9 (Evening)
Lobstermen’s Exchange in Stonington.
Community Dinner at the Fisherman’s Friend Restaurant, 6:00 pm

March 10 (Morning)
Community meeting at Penobscot East Resource Center. 9:00 am.

March 10 (Evening)
Lobstermen’s Exchange in Vinalhaven.
Community dinner (time and place TBA)

March 11 (Morning)
Tour of Vinalhaven

March 11 (Evening)
Lobstermen’s Exchange in Phippsburg.
Community Meeting 5:00-7:00pm
Phippsburg Town Hall Community Room

March 12
Lobstermen’s Exchange: Southern
Regional Meeting 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Gulf of Maine Research Institute,
Portland

March 12 (Evening)
Lobstermen’s Exchange on Long Island.
Community dinner (time and place TBA)

March 13 (Morning)
Tour of Long Island
Tour of Portland lobster processors

March 14
Boston Seafood Show