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by Karin Sanborn GOMLF statistics indicate that 1,050 lobstermen have turned in 1,318,000 pounds of float rope, in return for which they have received $2,052,000 in vouchers toward their purchase of sinking poly groundlines or neutrally buoyant rope at designated retail shops. On April 5, 2009, the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan mandate came into effect; it prohibits the use of floating rope outside the three mile limit, or offshore exemption line, for those with multitrap trawls. Some lobstermen have relocated their gear to avoid the expensive conversion costs, moving their gear closer to shore; some have tried to avoid the cost by rigging one trap per buoy or fishing singles. According to Jenni Steele, co-owner of Island Fishing Gear and NAPA Auto Parts in Stonington, the local fishermen are unhappy about the rigging switch and the expense. She said, “Vouchers or no vouchers, it’s $1.40 per pound for the rope turned in, and the cost for sinking rope is about $2 a pound. If that’s not bad enough in this economy, the sinking rope doesn’t last, so they have to replace it more often.” According to GOMLF, the average lobsterman will spend 60 percent more than the already high $5,500 to set up their gear to fish. In a recent press release, GOMLF announced that there will be at least another four groundline exchange opportunities throughout Maine, in addition to the upcoming December 9 and 10 events to be held in Waldoboro. For more information and to register, call them at 985-8088. Return to the Island Ad-Vantages home page. |
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