MA Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission January 28, 2021 Meeting Summary
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M A R C H 2 0 2 1 N E W S PA P E R • W W W. L O B S T E R M E N . C O M
MA Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission
January 28, 2021 Meeting Summary
This document serves as a brief
summary of the January 28, 2021
Marine Fisheries Advisory Commis-
sion (MFAC) business meeting. This
MFAC meeting was held virtually.
All meeting materials are available
on the MFAC’s past meeting website.
https://www.mass.gov/service-
RECOMMENDED
details/marine-fisheries-adviso-
ry-commission-meeting-resources
The full meeting can be viewed on
DMF’s YouTube channel.
ACTION ITEMS TRAP GEAR
The MFAC reviewed and ap-
proved numerous final regulatory CLOSURE
recommendations of the Division of
Marine Fisheries (DMF) affecting
fixed gear fishing and right whale
conservation. The approved mea-
sures are described in the bullets
below. DMF is also moving forward
a final permitting action to restrict
the number of seasonal lobster per-
mits issued annually to 150. DMF
anticipates the earliest these final
rules will be implemented is March
5, 2021.
• The seasonal commercial trap
gear closure will be expanded in
both space and time. The exist-
ing closure occurs from February
1 – April 30 in Cape Cod Bay, Stell-
wagen Bank, and the Outer Cape
Cod Lobster Management Area. longer remain in state waters. The panded geographically to include a buoy lines with a 1,700 pound break-
The closure will now extend to the closure will not extend into certain discrete area along the South Shore ing strength or by inserting NOAA
New Hampshire maritime border. southern state waters in Lobster between Plymouth and Scituate.
The closure duration will also be Fisheries approved contrivances
Conservation Management Area 2 into the top 75% of the buoy line
extended through May 15. However, (Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound, • Effective May 1, 2021, commer-
during the May 1 – May 15 period, cial trap fishermen will be required every 60’. At this time, the only ap-
Buzzards Bay).
the closure will occur on dynamic to fish buoy lines that break when proved contrivance is the so-called
basis allowing DMF to lift the clo- • The January 1 – May 15 gillnet exposed to 1,700 pounds of tension. “South Shore Sleeve.”
sure (or parts thereof) if whales no closure in Cape Cod Bay will be ex- This may be achieved by fishing MEETING, Page 20
Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
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Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
Colorful Summary Report
Chronicles “Lifejackets for
Lobstermen” Vans’ Journey
“I wear a lifejacket for my own summary report, the Northeast
safety, of course, and most im- Center for Occupational Health
portantly, I wear it for my family and Safety in Agriculture, For-
and loved ones. Fishing is im- estry and Fishing chronicles sto-
portant, and so is coming back ries from the Lifejackets for Lob-
safely.” Captain Stefanie Alley, stermen Project and provides
March 2021 |
Islesford, Maine. examples of the fishing commu-
Fishermen throughout the nity’s interest and engagement
Northeast continue to share with the project.
testimony about the impact the The report chronicles stories ter to identify good designs and men bought 1087 lifejackets and
Lifejackets for Lobstermen Proj- of close-calls and personal loss eliminate challenges to use. Proj- PFDs. The NEC now plans to
ect has had on their choices to shared by fishermen and fami- ect coordinators also reached transition the project to Fish-
wear lifejackets or other person- lies. For example, Deborah Da- out to manufacturers, retail- ing Partnership Support Ser-
al flotation devices (PFDs) while mon describes losing several ers, safety trainers and other vices (FPSS) who collaborated
on the job. As Captain John Brig- family members at sea, “I have researchers, as well as the Na- on the project. FPSS is integrat-
ante of Bucks Harbor, Maine de- two sons and two of my brothers tional Institute for Occupational ing the lifejacket van into their
scribes, “I put the PFD on before who lobster here in Maine… I lost Safety and Health, the Royal safety trainings and expanding
getting into the skiff and keep it to all fisheries and ages. Con-
on until back on land. Accidents tact Fishing Partnership Sup-
“
can happen anytime and any- port Services at 617-928-3443 or
where.” Captain Brent Crowley …I lost my grandfather, my https://fishingpartnership.org/
of Jonesport, Maine aptly said
Want to learn more about the
of his new PFDs, “It can save my brother, fiancé, and my husband project and outcomes? Download
life or my sternman’s”.
the Summary Report at https://
From 2000-2016, the Centers all to the sea. So it would mean a lot www.necenter.org/fishing/
for Disease Control charted 204 resources/ or request a hard copy
if I could get these [lifejackets].
”
commercial fishing fatalities by calling the Northeast Center
from falls overboard. None of at 607-547-6023 or emailing Life-
the fishermen recovered were JacketProject@bassett.org
wearing a lifejacket, and 108 of
my grandfather, my brother, fian- National Lifeboat Institute, and The Lifejacket Project was a
the fishermen’s bodies were nev-
cé, and my husband all to the sea. the Old4New campaign in New collaboration with Fishing Part-
er found. The Lifejacket Project
So it would mean a lot if I could Zealand, to create the “Life- nership Support Services, Maine
was launched to identify solu-
get these [lifejackets].” jacket for Lobstermen” vans. Lobstermen’s Association, Mas-
tions and increase fishermen’s
The vans went along the coast to sachusetts Lobstermen’s Associa-
interest in wearing lifejackets. During the project, fishermen
bring fishermen-selected devic- tion, McMillan Offshore Survival
In its recently published, 20-page worked with the Northeast Cen-
es dockside at a discounted rate, Training and the Atlantic Off-
so fishermen could try them on, shore Lobstermen’s Association.
compare them side by side, and
try out new lifejackets/PFDs The Northeast Center is funded
www.lobstermen.com
they may not have been familiar through the Centers for Disease
with. Control to address prominent occu-
pational safety and health hazards
As Stefanie Alley described, in agricultural, forestry and fish-
“I couldn’t find an inflatable ing communities throughout the
lifejacket at the store—too hard Northeast. In addition to conduct-
to choose one. The van offered ing research and developing safety
an opportunity to look at the programs, the Center offers safety
different styles, and get ques- training, health screening and
tions answered.” During the counseling services to agricultural,
4 vans’ 157 days dockside, fisher- forestry and fisheries workers.
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Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s
Association would like to welcome
the following new members to the
Association. Your Association will
continue its efforts on your behalf to
conserve the resource, protect your
livelihood, keep you informed, promote
the industry and provide you with
increasing benefits as they are developed.
MLA stands ready to help you in anyway,
at anytime — just let us know how!
Safe on the water and good fishing!
NEW MLA MEMBERS: Now that all the federal Massachusetts to reduce the
JAMES DOPKIN whale comments have been risk to right whales. I am still
Fishing Vessel: Webo submitted and National Ma- aghast that even though there
Port: Barnegat Light rine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has been ZERO deaths or ZERO
processes them all we can do is serious injuries attributed to
SHAWN PIZZO
wait. Wait with baited breath the Massachusetts commer-
Fishing Vessel: Hot Ticket
Port: Gloucester and not traps. This has been cial lobster industry and you
by far, the most taxing level of are doing the more than any-
| March 2021
ANTHONY DAY commenting I have ever seen, one, it’s not enough???
Fishing Vessel: P-Unit
with over 900 pages of infor-
Port: Barnstable The big question that keeps
mation to read and digest and
SAM LINNELL comment on leaves my head coming up is when will it ever
Fishing Vessel: Great Pumpkin still reeling. be enough never seems to be
Port: Chatham answered. When we push for
ROBERT COYNE The MLA proudly signed answers there always seems
Associate Member onto a fishing organization let- to be crickets even though
BRYAN DESPRES ter of comment on the Biologi- you are continually asked to
Port: New Bedford cal Opinion that was organized do more. There needs to be
Associate Member by the Maine Lobstermen’s a mechanism to measure the
Association. The 90 plus page success of each of these con-
letter was written by a team of servation risk reductions so
lawyers, PhDs, modelers, and we can all see what is working
policy analysts who systemati- and what is not. This is rea- these measures will have an
cally picked apart the Draft Bi- sonable one would think, and impact on everyone’s busi-
ological Opinion page by page still crickets. ness.
leaving nothing out.
With so many management While the road ahead looks
We are all hopeful that, this processes influx, the com- rocky, Massachusetts is ahead
eloquent letter will shine more mercial lobstermen are look- of the curve in acquiring the
light on the many flaws with ing for guidance on when will Incidental Take Permit (ITP),
the data being used as well as all these “new” conservation even though it was mandated
the models that are inadequate measures be implemented and by a judge, as every state is
Published by the Massachusetts to make such draconian deci- what will be an acceptable
Lobstermen’s Association, Inc. going to have to go down the
sions. THANK YOU Patrice, weak contrivance? The MLA same rocky road and acquire
8 Otis Place, Scituate, MA 02066 and the MELA team for mak- is working hard to get these and ITP just the same. The
– Published monthly – ing the fishing association let- questions answered as I have MLA remains committed in
Mailed to all paid members of the ter happen. I am strongly en- talked to many of you over the fighting on behalf of you our
Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association couraging everyone to take the last several months and right members every step of the
Newsletter Departments time to read the letter which is now we are at a standstill. way.
Editor, Industry News, Notice Section, posted on the MLAs website
Editorial, Blog, Industry News, Promotions, www.lobstermen.com under The MLA will continue to Be well and continue to stay
Layout, Advertising: the Right Whale litigation and keep everyone updated once
www.lobstermen.com
safe during these crazy days
Beth Casoni — Executive Director we have more information by
management updates page. I we’re still in and remember
Buy Sell Swap: Tracey Abboud know I found it refreshing to posting it on our website, in if you have ANY questions
Newsletter Advertising Rates read. our weekly emails and emails please let me/us know.
The MLA Newsletter is published monthly to MLA members. If you do
(Please note that all pre-paid ads The MLA has submitted yet not receive these emails please
for last year will be honored) another letter of comment on let me know by emailing me at Safe on the water,
Be�� Cas���
$35 — ¼ Page Ad the Atlantic Large Whale Take beth.casoni@lobstermen.com
$65 — ½ Page Ad Reduction Team Plan defend- so I can add you to our email
$95 — Full Page Ad list. Now more than ever, you
ing ALL that the commercial
Color Ads — + $25 per ad
lobster industry has done in need to be paying attention as Executive Director 7
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Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
New Protected Species Regulations Finalized
for Fixed Gear Fisheries and Industry
Outreach on Required Gear Modifications
This advisory serves to provide you with information regarding new lift the closure (or parts thereof) if whales no longer remain in state
protected species regulations. This includes a description of the new waters. The closure does not extend into those southern state waters
regulatory requirements, resources available to assist commercial in Lobster Conservation Management Area 2. As this closure exten-
trap fishermen in complying with the new gear modification and weak sion is being implemented in-season this year, all trap gear must be
rope rules, and additional information germane to DMF’s ongoing ef- removed from the new closure area by March 5, 2021.
forts to protect the North Atlantic right whale.
• Seasonal Commercial Gillnet Closure. A new commercial gillnet
New Regulations Enacted closure goes into effect on March 5, 2021. This new regulation spa-
tially extends the January 15 – May 15 commercial gillnet closure
The Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission approved several new in Cape Cod Bay to include a discrete area along the South Shore
regulatory measures at their January 28, 2021 business meeting affect- between Plymouth and Scituate. The northern boundary of this clo-
ing protected species and fixed gear fishing in Massachusetts (Adviso- sure is now 42°12’N (see map below).
| March 2021
ry). These regulations have been filed with the Secretary of State and
will be implemented as of March 5, 2021. The seasonal closure rules
January 15 - May 15 Seasonal Cape Cod Bay Gillnet Closure
will be effective March 5, 2021, whereas the gear modification rules
New and Existing Closure Areas
will not go into effect until May 2021 to provide fishermen with time
to alter their gear configuration. More details on each new regulatory
provision are provided in the bullets below.
• Seasonal Commercial Trap Gear Closure. A new commercial trap
gear closure goes into effect on March 5, 2021. This new regulation
extends the prior seasonal state waters commercial trap gear clo-
sure in both space and time. The prior closure occurred from Feb-
ruary 1 – April 30 within Cape Cod Bay, Stellwagen Bank, and the
Outer Cape Cod Lobster Management Area. The new closure area
extends north in state waters from Scituate Harbor to the New
Hampshire maritime border (see map below) and the closure dura-
tion is extended through May 15. However, during the May 1 – May
15 period, the closure will occur on a dynamic basis allowing DMF to
February 1 - May 15 Seasonal Trap Gear Closure
New and Existing Closure Areas
• Weak Rope Requirements for Commercial Trap Gear. Effective May
1, 2021, this new regulation will require all commercial trap fish-
ermen to fish buoy lines that break when exposed to 1,700 pounds
of tension. This may be achieved by fishing specially manufactured
buoy lines with a custom 1,700 pound breaking strength or by insert-
ing NOAA Fisheries approved contrivances into the top 75% of the
buoy line every 60’. Currently, the only approved contrivance is the
www.lobstermen.com
so-
called “South Shore Sleeve.” For more information on how to com-
ply with this measure, please review the section on approved weak
rope and contrivances below and visit DMF’s new Trap Gear Modi-
fication webpage (https://www.mass.gov/service-details/buoy-
line-trap-gear-modifications).
• Maximum Buoy Line Diameter for Commercial Trap Gear. Effec-
tive May 1, 2021, all commercial trap fishermen are to fish buoy lines
with a maximum diameter of 3/8”.
REGULATIONS, Page 10 9
Regulations pick up the free coils and sleeves. We will send out notice of these events to
Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
all permit holders once the dates and locations have been established. This
information will also be posted on the Trap Gear Modification webpage.
FROM PAGE 9
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/buoyline-trap-gear-modifications
• Recreational Lobster and Crab Gear Closure. DMF has established an an- Stay tuned for more details.
nual November 1 – May 15 recreational lobster and crab trap gear closure.
This requires recreational lobster and crab trap fishermen to remove their There is opportunity for additional ropes or contrivances to be approved
gear from the water by November 1 and not resent the gear until after May by NOAA Fisheries. For a weak rope or contrivance to be approved, sam-
15. This new rule goes into effect this year on March 5, 2021; this corrects ples must be tested on a rope breaking machine and the results reviewed
the prior advisory that indicates the rule would not be effective until No- by NMFS. With the assistance of several commercial lobstermen, DMF is
vember 1, 2021. As this is being implemented in-season, recreational trap in the process of developing additional contrivances. These include sev-
fishermen are advised to not set trap gear until after May 15, 2021. If gear is eral options that use small sections of the approved weak rope and use dif-
currently in the water, then it may be removed and returned to the owner ferent splices, “lazy splices” and tucks inserted into standard buoy lines.
by the DMF or the Massachusetts Environmental Police. This closure pe- DMF is in the process of having these tested and hopes to have them ap-
riod applies only to buoyed recreational lobster and crab trap gear and not proved by NOAA Fisheries by mid-March. As more options are tested and
unbuoyed gear that is fished and retrieved from the shoreline. approved, DMF will post these on its Trap Gear Modifications webpage.
• Maximum Buoy Line Diameter for Recreational Trap Gear. Effective For more information on gear modifications, please email us at
May 15, 2021, all recreational trap fishermen are to fish buoy lines with a conservationsolutions@mass.gov.
maximum diameter of 5/16”.
Additional Information
Approved Weak Rope and Contrivances
Please note that DMF did not enact a proposal that would have prohibited
To assist commercial trap fishermen in complying with the new 1,700 lobster trap fishermen from fishing single traps if fishing from a vessel
March 2021 |
pound weak rope rules, the DMF is developing a list of NOAA Fisheries ap- with an overall length of 29’ or larger beginning in 2022. Instead the MFAC
proved ropes or contrivances. At present, only three options are available: (1) will convene a subcommittee to address options to reduce buoy lines in
Rocky Mount Cordage Company’s fully formed 1,700 pound weak rope – Red state waters.
– 3/8” diameter (runs slightly smaller than true diameter); (2) Rocky Mount
Cordage Company’s fully formed 1,700 lb weak rope – “Candy Cane” – 3/8” DMF anticipates the sub-committee will meet this spring to further ad-
diameter; (3) Novabraid break-away “South Shore” sleeve. dress the potential risk of entanglement posed by vertical buoy lines. Ad-
ditionally, and as previously announced, DMF has launched a “ropeless”
DMF is supplying samples of the weak rope and Novabraid sleeves at no fishing gear feasibility study. More information about this project can be
cost to industry. At present, we can provide every coastal lobster permit found at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/ropeless-fishing-gear-
holder with 2 coils of weak rope and up to 20 of the Novabraid sleeves. In feasibility-study. DMF has also set aside a “reserved” section of regula-
the coming weeks DMF will be setting up several gear distribution events tions and will be working with NOAA Fisheries to consider how to move
throughout the state where fishermen can meet a DMF staff member and forward with research into the efficacy of ropeless fishing technology.
www.lobstermen.com
10Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association | March 2021 www.lobstermen.com
11Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association In Memoriam
the age of 11, lobstering out of Battleship Maryland. There were A year later, Don and Elaine
a small skiff. Throughout his 14 ft. swells and he knew it would bought their first house in Brant
pre-teen and teenage years, he be tricky to get the captain safely Rock, where they raised five chil-
always had a summer job—har- off and back on his small boat, dren. Family fun often consisted
vesting seaweed with his sister which was just a small toy next of fishing from Don’s now-much-
Cynthia, working at Estes Candy to the huge battleship. He timed larger lobster boat on summer
Kitchen and Sandy’s restaurant the rise and fall of his boat and, Sunday afternoons and taking
in Brant Rock, and pumping gas at just the right moment, di- week-long boat-camping trips
at the Gulf station in Fieldston rected the captain when to step through the Cape Cod Canal to
(where gas sold for $1 for six gal- off and when to step back on. Buzzards Bay and the Elizabeth
lons). Every penny of his earn- The captain obviously was im- Islands. In 1970, Don and Elaine
ings went to support his family. pressed as later that day he was bought land in North Waterboro,
Not until he was 16 or 17, when promoted to 3rd Class Aviation Maine and built a cabin in the
he mowed lawns in Duxbury, Boatswain Mate. At 17, he was woods for weekend getaways
was he finally allowed to keep the youngest 3rd class aboard where the children took up ski-
what he earned and had money ship. Don always remembered ing and snowmobiling.
DONAL LEON STAPLES in his pocket for the first time in
his life. This experience led to a
being in Tokyo Bay, with many
other ships, the day the Japanese Don was actively involved in
foreign minister signed the sur- both the South Shore Lobster
Donal Leon Staples of Scarbor- strong work ethic that he carried
March 2021 |
render document with General Fishermen’s Association and
ough, Maine passed away on with him his whole life. the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s
January 9, 2021 at Maine Vet- MacArthur on the Battleship
Eager to serve his country dur- Missouri on September 2, 1945. Association for many years,
erans’ Homes of Scarborough, ing World War II, Don enlisted including serving as president of
his home for nearly two years. in the Navy at age 17, in No- Donal finished his military the South Shore association and
He formerly lived in Falmouth, vember 1944. He served on the commitment at an airbase in San on the Board of the Massachu-
Maine for 16 years. Donald was USS Chandeleur in the Pacific Diego before being discharged setts Lobstermen’s Association.
born on September 22, 1927 in during the Battle of Okinawa, in July 1946 at the age of 18. He He was one of the leaders who
Plymouth, Massachusetts and the last pivotal battle against came home to complete his senior started a Lobster Boat Insurance
raised in nearby Marshfield Japan. The Chandeleur was a year at Marshfield High School, Co-operative which serves the
where he and his wife Elaine lat- seaplane tender, providing sup- where he played football and members to this day. He was a
er raised five children. Don was port services for seaplanes that graduated in 1947 at age 19. Don volunteer firefighter for 25 years
a Brant Rock lobsterman and scouted the location of enemy worked as a lobsterman, carpen- at the Ocean Bluff Fire Station
Elaine taught third and fourth ships and submarines. With his ter, and at Marshfield Sand and (Station 1) on Massasoit Avenue
grades in Marshfield. They boating experience, 1st Class Gravel for several years. He met in Marshfield.
retired in 1985, and moved first Seaman Staples was given the his future bride, Elaine Dobie,
to Parsonsfield, Maine and then while pouring a concrete founda- Donal is survived by his
job of running a 35 ft. boat with son Donald Jr (Anne) of Fal-
Holmes Beach, Florida where one crewman, a 2nd Class Avia- tion and floor for a garage at her
Elaine passed away in 1997. grandmother’s beach cottage in mouth, Maine, daughters San-
tion Mechanic who outranked dra Staples-Bortner (Brad)
Don was an honest, hard-work- him. But Don was running the Humarock in 1948. She noticed
his lobster sandwich. After three of Cathlamet, Washington
ing, and self-assured man with boat and was in charge. They and Robin Maccini (Brian) of
a generous heart, a great smile, ferried flight and repair crews days, the co-owner of the sand
and gravel company came out Westport, Massachusetts, and
and a twinkle in his blue eyes; he to and from seaplanes moored daughter-in-law Karen Staples
made friends wherever he went. nearby. They also ferried officers to see why this simple job was
taking so long. He saw Elaine (Gregory) of Melbourne, Florida,
He was not only a devoted father, and men to different ships in the along with nine grandchildren,
Navy’s anchorage at Kerama and her friend sitting on the
grandfather, and great grandfa- seven great grandchildren, and
Retto, a Japanese archipelago cottage steps and he knew why.
ther, but also a much-loved uncle many nieces and nephews. He
southwest of Okinawa. Don bought his first small lobster
to his many nieces and nephews. was predeceased by his wife
boat in 1950. Don and Elaine were
He loved the outdoors, whether After long busy days, his Elaine (Dobie), children Gregory
married on July 21, 1951.
the Maine woods or Florida nights on the ship were gener- and Suzanne, parents Fred and
beaches, and was as much at ally spent responding to one Don remained in the Naval Althea (Fifield), and siblings
home at sea as on land. General Quarter (GQ) alarm Reserve and was called back for Natalie Henderson, Fred Jr.,
after another, in response to the Korean War in April 1951 and
Donal survived a mild case of Winifred Peterson, Selwyn, Cyn-
waves of Japanese kamikazes served until July 1952. He served
Covid19 in April and a broken thia Josselyn, Gloria Peterson,
on the USS Salerno Bay, a small
hip in May, but then was brought threatening the Fleet. During and Judith Hubbard.
aircraft carrier, as a 3rd Class
down by the pandemic-induced the three months of the Battle The Staples family would like
Aviation Boatswain Mate. He
www.lobstermen.com
isolation he endured during 2020. of Okinawa, the Chandeleur had to extend our sincere gratitude
was in-charge-of the flight deck
With family gatherings restrict- 360 GQs. During quiet times, he to the staff of Maine Veterans’
crew, which consisted of 66 young
ed to window visits and video listened to Tokyo Rose on the ra- Homes of both Scarborough
recruits just out of boot camp.
calls since March, one of the dio. While he enjoyed the music and Augusta for their excellent
When Don’s time aboard the
few joys left to him was to watch she played, it was unnerving to care of our father, grandfather,
ship came to an end, he received
birds outside his window. hear her say, “Chandeleur we and great grandfather. A special
the unusual honor of having the
Raised during the Great missed you last night, but we’ll thanks to the staff assigned to
captain and other officers line up
Depression in a large family, get you tonight.” C-unit in Scarborough, his true
to salute him as he departed the
Donald started contributing to One day, Donal was assigned ship for the last time, in recogni- home in his final years. You are
his family’s limited income at to take the ship’s captain to the tion of his superior work. a wonderful group of people.
12In Memoriam
Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
passed away January 29, 2021 from tion especially a fire pit. He spent
complications from Coronavirus. countless hours smoking his cigars
just enjoying life.
Bob is survived by his wife, Linda,
of 35 years, their children, Robert Jr. Bob loved to travel. Whether it
his wife Ashley, his future grandson, was as a family on Disney vacations,
Dominic, son Nicholas, and daugh- cruises, or just him, his wife, sister
ter Victoria. His brother-in-law and and brother-in-law. He absolutely
sister-in-law David and Deborah loved going to Aruba. Bob loved to
Carella, nephew Charles Carella, his go out to eat with Linda, David, and
wife Katie, and their son Christian Debbie, and their kids whenever
(Bob’s great nephew). His brothers, they were available.
Kenneth and Paul, and their wives
and kids. Bob’s favorite thing in the world
was to lobster. He was an avid lob-
Bob was born in Dorchester to the
| March 2021
sterman out of Cohasset Harbor and
late Carl Johnson and the late Irene
Johnson (Aspessi), raised in Milton, had done it for 40+ years. As soon as
and spent summers in Hull until he the spring was here, he was outside
settled into Scituate in 1993 where working on traps, or painting buoys,
Bob built his family home and raised to be ready for the season. He could
ROBERT A. JOHNSON his children. not wait to get back out on the water.
Bob loved his home and was al- Bob’s other passion was his job.
June 18, 1962 - ways busy doing something to it. He worked for Comcast for 25 years
January 29, 2021 Bob even bought a tractor recently and loved what he did every day.
to do bigger projects around the
(age 58) property! Among lobstering, building furni-
ture, and working for Comcast, Bob
It is with heavy hearts that we Bob loved to build things, includ- also plowed for the Town of Cohas-
must tell you long time Massachu- ing furniture, bars, coffee tables, set for 30 years, and was an Assis-
setts Lobstermen’s Association sofa tables, desks, and ultimately tant Harbormaster for 25 years. He
member, Robert “Bob” Johnson Sr. whatever was brought to his atten- was a man of many trades.
December 14, 1948 - nieces and nephews. He was born
in Plymouth on December 14,
January 24, 2021
1948, a son of the late Willard and
(age 72) Helen (Carlton) Short. Kevin was a
graduate of Plymouth/Carver High
It is with heavy heart that we
must tell you, Kevin Ross Short, School class of 1967. He served in
age 72, of Plymouth, passed away the U.S Navy during the Vietnam
on Saturday, Jan 24th, peacefully War. Kevin was a lobsterman for
at his home. many years. He enjoyed hunting
and the great outdoors.
www.lobstermen.com
He was the father of Matthew R.
Sullivan of Plymouth. Brother of Funeral and burial will be private.
Douglas Short of Plymouth, and Memorial donations may be made
the late Dana Short. Grandfather to The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s
of Everly and Charlotte Sullivan Association, 8 Otis Pl, Scituate, MA
KEVIN ROSS SHORT of Plymouth. Uncle to numerous 02066.
13
Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
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The Return of
“ the Blob”
Monitoring the Formation and Movements
of a Hypoxic Water Mass in Cape Cod Bay
By Tracy Pugh, Ph.D., The data are rapidly downloaded, downloaded to a land-based server Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)
March 2021 |
Invertebrate Fisheries and a GPS location stamp is added using a cell phone signal. Five ves- for their expertise in water qual-
Project Leader to the file. The captain never has sels participated in the Study Fleet, ity and oceanographic conditions.
1/21/2021 to touch the logger; everything is covering the southwestern por- This collaborative partnership is
completely automated and happens tion of Cape Cod Bay (Manomet to funded by the National Sea Grant
During September 2019, lobster
so quickly that the normal pace Barnstable) and the northeastern American Lobster Initiative, and
fishers in the southern portion of
of hauling, emptying, re-baiting, corner (Provincetown area). aims to provide data to describe
Cape Cod Bay hauled up a nasty
and setting back the traps is unaf- fine-scale resolution of the oceano-
surprise—hundreds of pounds of
fected. The logger stays attached In addition to the Study Fleet, graphic factors influencing bottom
dead lobsters, crabs, and finfish.
to the trap and goes back in the DMF has partnered with research- conditions in Cape Cod Bay, and
DMF quickly learned that these
water when the gear is set back. ers from the Center for Coastal allow researchers to better un-
deaths were caused by a severe
hypoxia event; the bottom waters The data stored on the deck box are Studies (CCS) and Woods Hole derstand the processes that drive
in the region did not have enough
oxygen to sustain the life of those
animals that couldn’t move away,
like those stuck in the traps (See
DMF News 2019 Q3/4 for more
background). Determined to avoid
this situation in the future, DMF
and several fishermen from the af-
fected area talked about developing
a monitoring program so we could
detect the formation of another hy-
poxic event, allowing fishermen to
move their gear away from the af-
fected area. This was the beginning
of the Cape Cod Bay Study Fleet.
This past spring, the Lobster
Foundation of Massachusetts was
awarded funding from the MA Cli-
mate Change Resilience in Fisher-
ies and Aquaculture Grant Pro-
gram to support the Study Fleet’s
www.lobstermen.com
goal of starting a monitoring
program. The funding was used
primarily to purchase Data Deck
Hub Systems and data loggers de-
veloped by Lowell Instruments.
These data loggers are attached to
lobster traps and record dissolved
oxygen (DO) and temperature ev-
ery 15 minutes. When the traps are
hauled, the data logger wirelessly
16 communicates with the deck box.environmental changes impacting out the southern portion of Cape same northerlies finally mixed the we are trying to understand with
Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
lobsters and other bottom-dwelling Cod Bay, and hypoxic conditions water column and replenished the this new monitoring and research.
organisms. were detected from the Sagamore DO on the bottom, breaking up the
The collaboration between DMF,
area east to Barnstable in late Au- Blob for the season. Thankfully the
CCS researchers regularly moni- the Study Fleet, and researchers
gust and throughout September. Blob appears to have been less se-
tor water quality in Cape Cod Bay, from CCS and WHOI has drasti-
Hypoxic conditions were also de- vere this year than last, and caused
using an instrument called a CTD cally improved our ability to detect
tected by Study Fleet loggers for fewer lobster mortalities this year
(CTD stands for conductivity, tem- the formation of hypoxic condi-
a short time in the Manomet area than it did in 2019.
perature, and depth, which are tions and to track the movement
from late September to early Octo-
three of the primary measurements Cape Cod Bay normally expe- of the Blob in southern Cape Cod
ber, but conditions here were less
the instrument collects) to collect riences a seasonal decline in the Bay. We plan to continue this work
severe than farther south.
information at various depths from DO content of the bottom waters, in 2021, and in the meantime the
the surface to the bottom at each As a result of these monitoring taking place annually in the late partners from WHOI and CCS will
sampling location (a water column efforts, we have learned that the summer and early fall. This is at be working to better understand
profile). This September, they con- Blob moves around in the southern least partially driven by upstream what drives the development of the
ducted additional surveys focused portion of Cape Cod Bay, driven by inputs of nutrients and result- Blob, to increase our ability to de-
in the region where the Study Fleet wind and sea conditions. Strong ing blooms of phytoplankton and tect and predict the potential onset
loggers indicated DO was decreas- northerly winds will push surface plankton that then sink to the bot- of hypoxia in Cape Cod Bay. Here
ing, which allowed us to monitor waters towards the shore, causing tom to decay. The decomposition of at DMF we will continue to develop
the changing conditions in three di- downwelling along the southern organic materials depletes oxygen ways to use the monitoring data to
mensions (east-west, north-south, alert the commercial lobster fleet
shoreline, which would push the from bottom waters, and under
and depth). and other stakeholders of changing
| March 2021
Blob away from shore into deep- stratified conditions oxygen cannot
conditions in the Bay. This work
The monitoring technology de- er waters. Conversely, southerly be replenished by mixing with the
represents an important collabora-
ployed by the Study Fleet and our winds blow surface waters away surface. The stratification of Cape
tion between commercial fishers
collaborators at CCS and WHOI from shore, allowing for upwelling Cod Bay is also a normal occur-
and scientists to ultimately benefit
allowed us to detect the formation along the shoreline, which causes rence, isolating very warm surface
both the commercial fishing fleet
of the “the Blob” this year. The the Blob to move closer to shore. waters from cooler, denser bottom
and the resources on which they
Blob is what we’ve been calling the The only reports we received this waters. This stratification limits
depend.
relatively cohesive hypoxic (insuf- year of dead lobsters were the re- mixing and prevents the replenish-
ficient oxygen) water mass that is sult of the Blob being pushed into ment of oxygen to the bottom wa- https://www.mass.gov/news/the-
formed near the ocean bottom in deeper waters in mid-September by ters. The difference between nor- return-of-the-blob-monitoring-the-
southern Cape Cod Bay. Starting in a period of strong northerlies. A few mal and the formation of the Blob formation-and-movements-of-a-
mid-August, DO declined through- days later the high seas from those in 2019 and again in 2020 are what hypoxic-water-mass-in-cape
www.lobstermen.com
17Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
March 2021 |
NOW REGISTERING FOR
THESE SAFETY CLASSES
n Safety at Sea
n Drill Conductor #getcovered
#staycovered
n First Aid / CPR
n Fishing Vessel Stability
OPEN ENROLLMENT HAS BEEN EXTENDED. CONTACT A NAVIGATOR TODAY.
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and provide guidance for selecting a health plan to keep you healthy and on the water.
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Shannon Eldredge 508.237.9402 Maria Carpenter 978.282.4847 Jenny Amaral 508.991.3043
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18Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association | March 2021 www.lobstermen.com
19Meeting utive open fishing days (Mondays approval, DMF would be seeking findings of a 2018 dye study. Both
Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
– Fridays) on September 15 and public input on the two options matters are contentious given the
FROM PAGE 1 seven open fishing days per week immediately thereafter, and look potential economic impacts on the
on October 1. Additionally, DMF for MFAC support of the Divi- state’s commercial shellfish fisher-
• Commercial trap fishermen will
will propose a November 15 sea- sion’s decision at the February 18 ies. DMF is working with munici-
be required to fish buoy lines with a
son closure date if the quota is not meeting. On the commercial side, palities on the mooring field reclas-
maximum diameter of 3/8”.
taken beforehand. This will allow the ASMFC, meeting jointly with sification issue. Additionally, at the
• The recreational lobster and DMF to more promptly start its an- MAFMC, was scheduled to take fi- MFAC’s request, DMF committed
crab trap fishery will be subject to nual commercial striped bass tag nal action on possible adjustments to develop a stakeholder working
November 1 – May 15 haul-out pe- accounting. to the state-by-state allocations in group to address the Plymouth
riod throughout all of state waters. response to stock redistribution. wastewater treatment plant re-
Interstate and Federal
Any changes would not affect the classification issue. DMF and the
• Recreational lobster and crab Management Updates
quotas until at least 2022. MFAC are working to have this
trap fishermen will be required to
DMF staff briefed the MFAC on working group include state and
fish buoy lines with a maximum di- There was also some discussion
hot topic issues being addressed by federal regulators, state legislators,
ameter of 5/16”. regarding the NEFMC’s decision to
the Atlantic States Marine Fisher- industry members, and municipal
retain status quo recreational cod authorities.
The MFAC and DMF stayed a ies Commission (ASMFC), Mid-
and haddock limit for 2021.
recommendation that would have Atlantic Fishery Management OTHER BUSINESS
prohibited lobster trap fishermen Fishery Management Council Port Profile Project
March 2021 |
from fishing single traps if fishing (MAFMC), and the New England Commission members requested
DMF is finalizing its multi-year DMF begin to address to fisheries
from a vessel with an overall length Fishery Management Council.
project to profile the state’s fish- management issues. First, to dis-
of 29’ or larger beginning in 2022. A
The discussion focused on ter- ing ports. Each port is described cuss the performance of the chan-
MFAC sub-committee was formed
minal tackle rules affecting the in terms of its physical and geo- neled whelk fishery in recent years
to investigate the rule’s potential
recreational striped bass fishery. graphic boundaries, commercial at the February 2021 meeting. Sec-
impacts and consider alternative
In October 2020, the ASMFC voted fishing infrastructure, and com- ond, to review the performance of
measures. The sub-committee will
down any exemptions to the circle mercial fishing activities. Addition- the state-waters groundfish fishery
work to have a proposed rule in-
hook mandate for recreational an- ally, various infrastructure related and consider potential increases to
cluded in DMF’s draft sea turtle
glers fishing for striped bass with needs were identified for each port. the yellowtail flounder trip limit.
conservation regulations to be pro-
bait. DMF is now seeking to define DMF presented the draft profiles of
posed later this year. The sub-com- Public comments were provided
bait to exclude pork rind attached Gloucester and Chatham. The full
mittee is comprised of Raymond by John McCluskey and Greg Mor-
to a lure as pork rinds fished in this report will contain a characteriza-
Kane (Chair), Arthur Sawyer, Shel- ris on the Plymouth wastewater
manner are neither natural nor a tion of statewide landings trends,
ley Edmundson, and Bill Amaru. treatment plant issue. Beth Casoni,
bait. Additionally, DMF in partner- common infrastructure challeng-
ship with Maine Dept of Marine es, as well as resources and rec- Attorney Olaf Aprans, and Ed Bar-
DISCUSSION ITEMS rett provided comment on DMF’s
Resources is requesting that the ommendations to address some of
Future Rule Making on Commercial ASMFC exempt tube rigs from the these challenges. protected species regulations.
Striped Bass Management circle hook mandate for a period of Drew Kolek asked about the status
Shellfish Update of DMF’s policy to allow the trans-
two years during which the states
The MFAC reviewed a DMF fer of certain limited entry rod and
will conduct a study on the inci- DMF provided an overview of
proposal to amend its commercial reel permit endorsements, which
dence of deep hooking associated two ongoing challenges related to
striped bass management mea- the agency is finalizing.
with this tackle to better inform a public health and shellfish growing
sures for 2021. The proposed mea-
final decision on the subject. area classifications. First, a change UPCOMING MEETINGS
sures generally seek to increase ac-
in the National Shellfish Sanitation
cess to the commercial quota. The Regarding black sea bass, there The next MFAC business meet-
Program’s (NSSP)
first proposal is to adopt an earlier would be two decisions at the Feb- ing is scheduled for Thursday,
season start date. DMF has received ruary ASMFC meeting affecting Model Ordinance requiring iden- March 18, 2021. The meeting will be
a petition to open the season in late MA’s recreational and commercial tification, delineation, of all moor- held virtually via Zoom. Informa-
May and it was the preference of fisheries. Status quo recreational ing areas in state waters followed tion regarding the meeting will be
the MFAC’s Commercial Striped measures for 2021 had previously by a pollution assessment and dilu- published on the MFAC’s website.
www.lobstermen.com
Bass Sub-Committee to open the been voted for, with the potential tion analysis to gauge the impact https://www.mass.gov/service-
season a week earlier on June 16. for minor season adjustments that on shellfish growing areas issuing details/marine-fisheries-adviso-
The second proposal is to increase are conservationally equivalent in closures were indicated. The sec- ry-commission-meeting-resources
the number of fishing days per terms of projected harvest. DMF ond on-going issue, FDA as part of If you would like to obtain any
week. The proposal has the season had submitted a proposal to start their NSSP program evaluation, materials regarding past or up-
opening with four consecutive open the fishery on either May 15 or May is requiring DMF work to reclas- coming MFAC business meetings,
fishing days (Mondays – Thursday). 22 (both Saturdays) rather than the sify shellfish growing areas around please contact Jared Silva at DMF
Then, if the quota is unfilled, then current May 18 start date (a Tues- Plymouth’s wastewater treatment (617-634-9573 or jared.silva@state.
20 the fishery would go to five consec- day in 2021). Assuming ASMFC plant outfall pipe in response to the ma.us).HAMILTON
Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
can help!
Many Hamilton Marine employees maintain their own boats.
We know and use the products we sell and can tell you what
works best for a given application. If you have
questions about a simple repair or a
daunting project, contact us.
We can help.
| March 2021
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Searsport stocked full of the gear and
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hamiltonmarine.com JONESPORT Photo by Wayne Hamilton ©
2122
www.lobstermen.com March 2021 | Massachusetts Lobstermen’s AssociationMassachusetts Lobstermen’s Association | March 2021
23
www.lobstermen.comMassachusetts Lobstermen’s Association MLA letter of comment to the
National Marine Fisheries Service
Sent via email to: MASSACHUSETTS RIGHT WHALE Currently, the limited markings on men fishing an average of 490 pots
michael.pentony@noaa.gov CONSERVATION TIMELINE the vertical lines drastically hinders and most of them are fishing 5-30 pot
NMFS’s ability to truly identify the trawls with an estimated 20-25 per-
February 23, 2021 1935 - International ban on hunting whales origin of the interaction to sanction mits retiring every year.
goes into effect the appropriate risk reductions
Michael Pentony, The Massachusetts commercial
Regional Administrator 1970 - North Atlantic Right Whales listed as MODIFIED GEAR CONFIGURATIONS lobster fishery in 2007 had 1,361 per-
National Marine Fisheries Service, endangered (TRAWLS AND WEAK CONTRIVANCES) mits and as of 2019 there was only
Greater Atlantic Regional 1,066 permits issued of which 747
Fisheries Office 1996 - NOAA implements the Large Whale Trawls
Take Reduction Plan were fished. During this timeframe
55 Great Republic Drive, there has been a reduction of 295
Gloucester, MA 01933 Currently, there are less than
1997 - MA requirement for “breakaway” fea- 80,000 vertical lines deployed by the commercial lobster permits with
RE: NOAA-NMFS-2020-0031 tures in gillnets and trap/pot buoy lines commercial lobster fleet in Massa- NO NEW PERMITS being issued.
Seasonal ban in Cape Cod Bay for gillnets chusetts and a significant number The commercial lobster industry in
March 2021 |
Dear Mr. Pentony, and on use of floating rope between pots of commercial lobstermen continue the Commonwealth deploys approxi-
to convert their businesses to fish mately 80,000 vertical lines and the
On behalf of its 1800 members, 1997 - Dedicated aerial surveys begin in numbers are going down as the new
the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Cape Cod Bay trawls. Their collective effort to fur-
ther reduce vertical lines will be conservation management comes on-
Association (MLA) respectfully line in early 2021.
submits this letter of comment 2004 - Year-round ban on floating rope be- beneficial and the MLA DOES NOT
with great concern and reserva- tween traps in Cape Cod Bay SUPPORT the 50% increase in pots
Massachusetts Ongoing Trap Reductions
tion to National Marine Fisher- in the trawls for LMA 1, LMA2 and
2007 - Year-round ban on use of floating OC between 3-12nm. The fleet that Currently, Massachusetts com-
ies Service (NMFS) regarding the
rope between traps statewide fishes in these areas is limited by ves- mercial lobstermen are still reduc-
proposed amendments to the regu-
lations implementing the Atlan- sel size and available deck space, cre- ing effort through the ongoing trap
2014 - MA Restricted Area is created – A ating a significant safety concern.
tic Large Whale Take Reduction three-month closure Feb-April to 3,071 reductions in Lobster Management
Team Plan (TEAM/PLAN), NOAA- sq.miles Area (LMA) 2 and LMA 3 and these
The proposed gear configurations
NMFS-2020-0031, to reduce the inci- real numbers in reduction that need
to reduce the number of vertical
dental mortality and serious inju- 2015 - 3 month (Feb/Apr) closure to all to be quantified and given a conserva-
buoy lines by requiring more traps
ry to North Atlantic Right whales pots/traps in the MA Restricted Area tion credit. Today, there are approxi-
between buoy lines between LMAs
and other protected species in the mately 70 active lobstermen in MA
2016 - 3 month (Feb/Apr) closure to all is unfair as the LMAs beyond 12nm
northeast commercial lobster and LMA 2 and approximately 58 active
pots/traps in the MA Restricted Area is only a 25% increase. The MLA re-
crab trap/pot fisheries to meet the lobstermen in Outer Cape Cod (OCC),
quests the same 25% trawl length
goals of the Marine Mammal Pro- 2017 - 3 month (Feb/Apr) closure to all increase be applied to all the LMAs how much further can they be re-
tection Act (MMPA) and the En- pots/traps in the MA Restricted Area under consideration. duced in effort to remain whole when
danger Species Act (ESA). PLUS 4-day extension of the gear clo- they are continually paying a conser-
sure in Cape Cod Bay LMA Current Proposed vation tax every time a tag is trans-
Established in 1963, the MLA LMA1, 6-12 nm 10 traps/trawl 15 traps/trawl ferred. It should also be noted that;
is a member-driven organization 2018 - 3 month (Feb/Apr) closure to all LMA2, OC 3-12 nm 10 traps/trawl 15 traps/trawl every transfer in LMA 2, LMA 3 and
that accepts and supports the in- pots/traps in the MA Restricted Area LMA1, 2 beyond 12 nm 15-20 traps/trawl 25 traps/trawl OCC there is also a 10% conservation
terdependence of species conser- PLUS a 15-day extension of the gear clo- trap tax which also equates to even a
vation and the members’ collec- sure and speed restriction (10 mph) for Massachusetts Vertical Line further reduction in effort.
tive economic interests. The MLA small vessels in Cape Cod Bay Reductions Underway
continues to work conscientiously Weak Contrivances
through the management pro- 2019 - 3 month (Feb/Apr) closure to all The MADMF has decades of data
cess with the MA Division of Ma- pots/traps in the MA Restricted Area to back up the ongoing reduction of On January 28th, the MFAC imple-
rine Fisheries (MADMF), Atlantic the lobster fishery here in Massa- mented a more restrictive rule for
States Marine Fisheries, National 2020 - 3 month (Feb/Apr) closure to all chusetts with a 100% MANDATORY state waters weak insertions at ev-
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), pots/traps in the MA Restricted Area, reporting. The MADMF can show the ery 60’, the MLA is concerned that
and Atlantic Large Whale Take Re- MLA members deploy 700 coils of whale downward trend for the MA lobster the frequency of weak insertions or
duction Team (ALWTRT) to ensure safe 1700lb weak red rope. fleet. Currently, in Massachusetts weak rope into buoy lines will not be
the continued sustainability and there are less than 747 active lobster- fair and equitable among states.
2021 - MFAC implements 73.6% risk reduc-
profitability of all the resources in
www.lobstermen.com
tion conservation measures Table 1: MA Lobster-pot Fishery, Total maximum buoy lines by LMA and Year, 2011-2018
which our members are engaged
in. PROPOSED RULE CHANGES LMA 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
The cooperation put forth by the MODIFY GEAR MARKING TO INTRODUCE LMA1 71,811 67,801 65,220 66,050 61,014 64,191 67,846 60,821
Massachusetts commercial lobster STATE-SPECIFIC MARKING COLORS
industry is a true testament that we LMA2 10,952 10,828 8,560 7,803 7,333 7,167 7,002 6,188
can collectively work together with The MLA SUPPORTS increasing LMA3 1,299 1,256 1,335 1,549 1,040 1,126 1,228 1,656
managers to reduce the potential the number of and area color of the
risk for right whales all the while vertical lines markings. By using a OCLMA 18,430 15,027 16,773 15,009 15,037 13,669 13,518 13,474
preserving the viable and historic state by state color scheme will bet- Total 102,492 94,912 91,888 90,411 84,424 86,153 89,594 82,139
commercial lobster fishery here in ter help to identify the origin of an
Data Source: MA Supplemental Reports and LMA permit declarations
24 the Commonwealth. interaction should there be one.You can also read
