Department of Marine Resources to survey Maine lobstermen – Penobscot Bay Press

Lobster Zone C Council Meeting Highlights Sustainable Fisheries Management Efforts

Introduction

On June 16, the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) convened a Lobster Zone C Council Meeting at Stonington’s town hall, engaging over 20 local license holders and stakeholders. The meeting focused on sustainable lobster fishery management, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water, which emphasizes the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

DMR Industry Survey Initiative

Senior lobster biologist Kathleen Reardon introduced an upcoming industry survey targeting all Maine commercial lobstering license holders. This survey aims to gather comprehensive industry insights following the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) May decision to repeal proposed lobster gauge and vent size changes initially designed to prevent overharvesting.

• Background: Proposed changes would have increased the minimum harvest size by one-sixteenth of an inch on the lobster carapace.
• Industry Response: The proposal faced near-universal opposition due to concerns over economic impacts.
• Survey Purpose: To assess current perceptions on lobster resource status, fishery conditions, and economic factors.
• Expected Outcome: Survey results will inform the ASMFC meeting in September and guide sustainable fishery management.

This initiative supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting informed decision-making and stakeholder engagement in resource management.

Lobster Stock Assessment Progress

Reardon provided updates on the ongoing lobster stock assessment, a critical component for sustainable fisheries management:

1. Data Collection: Incorporates sea sampling, ventless trap surveys, and inshore trawl surveys, compiling over 500 pages of data.
2. Peer Review: External experts will review the assessment, with the final report expected in October.
3. Preliminary Findings: Noted a 15-year low in lobster landings in 2024 despite increased prices, and observed declines in sub-legal lobster populations in eastern Maine and inshore stocks.
4. Ecological Implications: Scientists suggest a possible ‘regime shift’ with lobsters relocating to deeper waters.

These efforts align with SDG 14 by enhancing scientific understanding to maintain healthy marine ecosystems and sustainable fish stocks.

North Atlantic Right Whale Conservation Efforts

Sarah Leiter, lead of the DMR’s mammal research division, reported on recent survey findings concerning the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, emphasizing the intersection of marine conservation and fisheries:

• Research Focus: Monitoring whale presence and behavior in the Gulf of Maine to inform regulations that protect whales while minimizing impacts on the lobster industry.
• Findings: Decline in whale numbers near Jeffreys Ledge with movement offshore, potentially reducing overlap with fishing gear.
• Calving Data: Observation of ten right whale calves born during the 2025 season.

These initiatives contribute to SDG 14 by safeguarding endangered marine species and promoting ecosystem resilience.

Legislative Developments on Lobster Trap Allocation

The DMR reviewed a legislative bill concerning the allocation of lobster traps between primary and secondary lobster zones:

• Current Regulation: License holders may set 49% of traps in secondary zones and 51% in primary zones.
• Proposed Changes: DMR tasked with gathering industry input and issuing recommendations by December 3, 2025.

This process exemplifies participatory governance, supporting SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by fostering transparent and inclusive policy development.

Conclusion

The June 16 Lobster Zone C Council Meeting underscored Maine’s commitment to sustainable marine resource management through science-based assessments, stakeholder engagement, and conservation efforts. These actions collectively advance multiple Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring the long-term viability of the lobster industry and the health of marine ecosystems.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article discusses sustainable management of lobster fisheries, stock assessments, and protection of marine species such as the North Atlantic Right Whale.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The focus on regulating lobster harvesting sizes and trap limits relates to sustainable resource use and minimizing economic harm to the industry.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Indirectly relevant through the protection of endangered species (North Atlantic Right Whale) and ecosystem balance.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Economic concerns of lobstermen and the industry’s viability are highlighted, linking to sustainable economic growth in coastal communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing to restore fish stocks to sustainable levels.
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.8: Ensure that people have relevant information and awareness for sustainable development.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt the loss of biodiversity.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 14 Indicators
   • Indicator 14.4.1: Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels — implied through lobster stock assessments and monitoring of sub-legal lobster populations.
   • Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches — implied by the management of lobster zones and whale protection regulations.
2. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP — implied by efforts to regulate harvesting sizes and trap limits to ensure sustainable resource use.
   • Indicator 12.8.1: Extent to which sustainable development information is integrated into education and awareness programs — implied by the survey and stakeholder engagement efforts.
3. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index — implied by monitoring of endangered North Atlantic Right Whale populations and calving rates.
4. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture sector — indirectly implied by economic concerns and livelihoods of lobstermen.
   • Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities — indirectly relevant to the economic viability of the lobster industry.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: penobscotbaypress.com