2008 Cobscook Fisheries Forum
Rockweed Harvest and Scallop Conservation in Cobscook Bay
Saturday, October 18, 2008 from 9:30AM to 3:30PM
The Boat School in Eastport
Press Release – “2008 Fisheries Forum Press Release 081007.pdf”
9:30 to 12:00
WELCOME. Will Hopkins, Cobscook Bay Resource Center
RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAMS. Heidi Leighton, Cobscook Bay Resource Center
Written comments – “RC Program Description.pdf”
ROCKWEED HARVESTING
Rockweed Harvesting: What’s The Problem?
- Robin Hadlock Seeley, the Rockweed Coalition
PowerPoint – “Robin Seeley.pdf”
Link - The Rockweed Coalition - Alan Brooks, Quoddy Regional Land Trust
- Leo Murray, Cobscook Bay Fishermen’s Association
Industry Response
- Tim Sheehan, Gulf of Maine, Inc.
Link - Gulf of Maine, Inc.
Link – YouTube Video: Cobscook Rockweed Harvesting
Link - Acadian Seaplants
General Discussion: What do you think about rockweed harvest in the Bay? How can we most specifically state the problems?
- Background – Maine Seaweed Council’s Legal and Policy Position on the Public’s Right of Seaweed Harvesting in the State of Maine
“MSC Policy Position Cover Page.pdf”
“MSC Policy Position.pdf”
“MSC Policy Position Table of Cases.pdf”
“MSC Position Statement June 2.doc” - 2008 Attorney General’s Position on Property Rights and Seaweed Harvesting
“AG position on seaweed.pdf”
Link – Maine Seaweed Council
Solutions? What changes to State of Maine statutes and regulations or to management practices might resolve or reduce concerns with rockweed harvest in the Bay?
- More CBRC Links – Cobscook Soundings: Life Within the Rockweed
Cobscook Soundings: Rockweed, Understanding the Impacts of Harvesting
12:00-12:45 LUNCH
12:45-3:30 PROTECTING THE COBSCOOK SCALLOP FISHERY
Cobscook Bay has the last good scallop grounds in Maine because Cobscook fishermen have
worked hard over the last ten years to protect them. The scallop resource in the rest of the state
has collapsed, triggering an initiative by the Maine Legislature to “develop a comprehensive strategic plan that will rebuild Maine's scallop resource and create a sustainable scallop fishery.”
- Cobscook Scallop Overview, Will Hopkins, Resource Center
- Scallop Stock Assessments, Kevin Kelly, Department of Marine Resources
Powerpoint – “Kevin Kelly.pdf”
DMR Reports – “NEC Scallop Final Report 2005.pdf”
“2006 scallop survey final report.pdf”
“2007 scallop survey final report.pdf” - Scallop Research, Chris Bartlett, Maine Sea Grant
Powerpoint – “Chris Bartlett.pdf” - Taunton Bay Management and Endorsements, John Sowles, Department of Marine Resources
Link –Taunton Bay Management Plan - Update on Comprehensive Strategic Plan, David Etnier, Department of Marine Resources
Link – DMR Scallop Page
Link – Maine Scallop Advisory Council - Maine Scallop Working Group, John Higgins
- Cobscook Scallop Concerns, Leo Murray, Cobscook Bay Fishermen's Association
Written Comments – “2009 Cobscook Scallop Conservation Plan.pdf”
More Links: The Quoddy Tides articles
“The DMR Will Consider Expanded Rules for Rockweed Harvesting”
“Proposed Scallop Regulations Catch Heat From Area Fishermen”