Our way of life up and down the Maine coast is under attack. Families that have made their living in the lobster industry for generations are on the road to extinction. If the federal government has their way, pending regulations will force the lobster industry out of business and the Gulf of Maine will be reserved for offshore wind.

Actions last year by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Seafood Watch Institute to red-list lobster led the Maine Lobstermen’s Association to file suit against these California non-profits. Both claim that lobster from the US and Canada should not be sold or purchased due to the danger of entanglement in fishing gear of the Right whale, ignoring all facts and data pertaining to Right whale entanglements in Maine.

The Lincoln County Republicans are hosting an event on May 24 where the public can hear, firsthand, from three prominent men in the Maine fishing industry - Representative Billy Bob Faulkingham, Dustin Delano and Jason Joyce. The event will be held at Coastal Christian School, 574 N. Nobleboro Road, Waldoboro. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

William “Billy Bob” Faulkingham is a 4th generation fisherman of Winter Harbor. As a three- year-old, he was already accompanying his dad on the family fishing boat. He is not only knowledgeable about fishing but has served in the Maine House since 2018. He currently holds the position of house minority leader.

Dustin Delano is a 4th generation lobsterman and until recently, was vice president of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association. He is now the chief operating officer of the New England Fishermen Stewardship Association (NEFSA). Dustin has owned and operated his own fishing vessel since he was 12. He has given testimony in Augusta regarding marine fisheries and has collaborated with marine scientists on the water. As CEO of NEFSA, he hopes to continue to educate the public with a view toward economic well-being, ecosystem sustainability and US food security.

Jason Joyce is an 8th generation Swan’s Island lobsterman and is passionate about defending our sustainable fisheries, our coastal communities and the marine ecosystem. He serves on various boards educating the public about the most sustainable fishing in the world.

Station 118 will be on-site selling lobster rolls, clam strip baskets and BBQ options. Drinks and home baked desserts will also be available for purchase. Please mark your calendar and join us to hear from these leaders about our beloved lobster/fishing industry and what you can do to help preserve Maine’s way of life.