A report presented Friday, Dec. 7 by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) to the Department of Marine Resources will provide guidance to the department as it considers new strategies for the lobster fishery. The report, entitled “An Independent Evaluation of the Maine Limited Entry System for Lobster and Crab,” was initiated by the 125th Legislature which directed the Department to contract for the analysis. 

“The time has come to revisit access issues in the lobster fishery so we can be sure we are sustaining the health of the resource as well as the economic health of our coastal communities over the long term. GMRI’s report provides us with an objective, scientific analysis as we begin that conversation,” DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher said. 

The report includes an evaluation of the current limited entry program, lessons learned from lobster fisheries in other jurisdictions and a range of proposed options for how the state might move forward. “The report was crafted with broad public input and we intend to build on that feedback through our own analysis and outreach efforts,” Keliher said.

DMR plans to hold meetings in communities throughout the coast in the coming months to seek industry input on potential changes to the limited entry system, as well ongoing quality and profitability challenges. The dates for those meetings are still being scheduled, but will be posted on DMR’s website and other media outlets.

“We will be thoroughly evaluating the data, analyses and recommendations in this report as we develop concepts to take out to the lobster industry for further input,” said Keliher. “Our goal is to ensure that we develop a plan that supports and sustains this vital Maine resource and economy.”

The complete report can be found at www.maine.gov/dmr/GMRIEvaluationofLobsterLimitedEntry2012.pdf.