Basic Truths

Had the truck in for an oil change this morning (April 27). Read paper (Portland Press Herald) while I waited. The Maine/New England section had an interesting article on a recent review of federal fisheries management in the Northeast.  My interest was peaked because I work with a number of people from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, and I hope that review enhances the effectiveness of the Centers efforts.

While the review was directed to the Federal arena, there were several significant recommendations that could apply to Maine state fisheries management.

The review noted that few people interviewed could give a definitive answer as to who/what organization is ultimately accountable if something goes well or fails.

The review recommended clear, objective criteria for determining the success of a management decision.

The review noted regulators needed to re-establish fishing industry growth as a top priority.

 The Press Herald article concluded with the note by the author of the review that similar reviews in the past had arrived at similar conclusions, but little had changed.
 



 

Marine Spacial Planning

 Coming up on June 21- 23, 2011, the White House National Ocean Council will be hosting the National Coastal and Marine Spacial Planning Workshop, with attendance by White House invitation.

By my measure, on this voyage, the  vessel has already been sent on its way. The US Government currently proposes a huge area of ocean leases in the area South of Nantucket Island. The Nantucket Sound wind energy project has received federal approval, as has the Block Island Sound wind energy project. In Maine, State approval of two near shore sites for "experimental" ocean energy projects came forth rather quickly despite valid concerns raised by Maine fishermen.

Marine Spacial Planning has become the enabling vehicle for environmental activists to achieve the goal of establishing marine protected areas,  for financial interests to tap subsidies for ocean energy projects,  and for politicians to create the public perception that will enable them to cater to both.

Lacking in this agenda is consideration of the displacement of ongoing utilization of sustainable natural resources, and any consideration of the true cost and benefit to the American Taxpayer over the length of the voyage.

Survey | PickensPlan

Survey | PickensPlan

Two overhauls of political power in Washington and still no clear, or even suggested, practical path toward reducing reliance on foreign oil

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.

Marine Miracles

 Some days things go right. After things going wrong for so long, it does seem miracles are possible.  

The old boat engine gave up the ghost last week. Needed a valve job so off went the head to the machine shop in Belgrade ( Shawn Thurston) along with the exhaust manifold for a bath in the tank to clean it up. Turns out the manifold was toast and another one is the only option.

The boat is tied to the warf in Boothbay Harbor with the engine in  pieces, so getting the replacement manifold asap is top on my to do list. On line I found an outfit in Florida, Diesel Pro Power, that carries parts for the old iron, and ordered one on line this morning, with 3 to 5 days shipping time.Two hours later, Shawn called me & said he found a brand new manifold a friend of his has under his bench, still in the unopened box.

The outfit in Florida was most accommodating and canceled the order. The miracle in all of this is that the old engine was manufactured back in 1944 or 45, is just coming up on 15000 hours since I installed it, and will most likely go another several thousand hours before dying again.