ROWING OUT OF THE FOG

The Massachusetts lobster industry still sits in the middle of a fog even after a series of meetings the State’s Division of Marine Fisheries has had with the lobster industry reps, other state directors and with the ASMFC Lobster Board itself.  The State has hinted at each meeting that it would take some action with regard to Addendums 2 and 3 but just as one might start to think there is a clearing coming as to what the state will do, more statements are made that seem to again send the industry and everyone else drifting back into the fog of the unknown.  What will the Commonwealth’s Division propose and what will the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Commission do with that proposal?  This whole saga has an air of mystery and suspense about it.

 One point that needs to be considered is how the state will deal with the very real Atlantic States compliance process.  Any substitution to an already adopted lobster plan Addendum would require a determination that the change is equal to or more restrictive then what is already in that plan. This review of the proposed change and the determination factor comes from the Commission’s Technical Committee.  It isn’t done over a phone conversation at four o’clock on some afternoon. This Technical Committee, however, is due to meet early in July.  It also requires some form of approval by the ASMFC’s Lobster Board who will meet again in August. Before any of this can happen, however, there also needs to be a proposal and here has been where the fog has become so thick. Is there one?

 We would urge the Commonwealth to give the various Area plans as written a chance to work.  By adopting these plans in the Addendum, the Commonwealth will get the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission off its back and avoid another non-compliance discussion at the next Commission meeting.

 With that done and working with the states’ fishermen, a concerted effort should then be initiated by the Division and the Enforcement Agency to make the plans achieve their intended goal.  While this is being done, the fishermen reps can work with the state managers to address any glitches in any of the Area programs.  There may well be some adjustments needed to make those plans work better, or in some cases, be more equitable.  These glitches can be identified and hopefully resolved.

 Additionally, if major plan substitutions or additions are found to be necessary, this same partnership can then develop these changes and they, in turn, can be presented to the ASMFC in an orderly procedural manner.  The system allows these adjustments through the Conservational Equivalency provisions or if necessary, through another Addendum.  All of this can be accomplished in a timely enough fashion so as not to interrupt the rebuilding timetable.

 By approaching the plans in this way, Massachusetts can work through this fog-shrouded situation as a partnership rather then by having this segment of lobster management deteriorate into one of adversarial conflict.  With lobster fishermen on board throughout the process, the state is also likely to find general support and compliance with the provisions adopted which will, in turn, make enforcement much easier.

 For now, therefore, we would urge the Commonwealth to enact the measures contained in the Addendums for all the Massachusetts lobster management Areas.  There is more to be gained by working cooperatively then by alienating all those who participated in the lobster planning process by scraping what was done in a good faith effort and into which many fishermen and managers have invested so much time and energy.

 Let’s come together here and sail into the clear.

 Bill Adler
Executive Director

 6/02