At the Forum

I went to the Maine Fishermen's Forum in Rockport Saturday. I usually go for two or three days, but putting the boat engine back together was on the agenda for Friday.

Many people work hard throughout the year to to make the Forum happen. My hat is off to Chiloa Young and all the folks who put in so much time in support of this Maine commercial fisheries annual showcase.

I have been going to this event for years and have always come away with renewed appreciation for the contribution of the commercial fishing industry to the Maine economy. This year it was especially rewarding to see and feel the attitude among the attendees that this part of our state's economy is going to receive a little more respect and attention than has been the case in the past few years. It is most apparent that the new administration in Augusta is attuned to the business needs of the commercial fishing industry and to the people who work in all aspects of this economic engine.

The trade show booths were filled and products and services for the fishing industry were well represented. I did note, however, that there did not seem to be as many people in the halls and corridors as I have seen in the past.

I also noted that in spite of the record 92 million plus pounds of lobsters landed in Maine this past year,  the people in the business are not reflecting the positive financial outlook one would expect. The landings may be up, but the price is less than desired and the cost of everything essential to the business is up significantly, with the recent daily increases in fuel prices leading the list.

One other not so insignificant observation was the obvious feeling, among those I talked to, that the new Commissioner at DMR will ease the regulatory uncertainty that has prevailed of late. This is a good thing for the industry and the State's economy.