Maine Coast Dock Talk

Host Ben Martens sits down with Rep. Jay McCreight to talk about a bill she has introduced in the Maine legislature which would change when someone can get a lobster license. Currently, fishermen who aren't young enough for the student program, have to sit on a wait list to enter the fishery. This wait can take as long as 20 years in some areas. The new bill by Rep. McCreight would allow anyone on the wait list over 10 years to enter the fishery. But with everything happening to the lobster fishery, is now the right time?

You can read more about this story on our blog at https://www.mainecoastfishermen.org/single-post/A-potential-change-to-lobster-licenses-in-Maine-DOCK-TALK-PODCAST

In this podcast, we hear about the longtime struggle of the fishermen from the perspective of the fishing families, artists, and city stakeholders.

The Perfect Port is part one of a three-part podcast series about the Portland Working Waterfront and the issues that have arisen between commercial fishermen, lobstermen, groundfishermen, and others over the state of Portland’s development currently.

In this podcast, we talk about the development of Commercial Street over time and the regulations that are intended to protect the commercial marine activities that take place out of the city.

The Perfect Port is part one of a three-part podcast series about the Portland Working Waterfront and the issues that have arisen between commercial fishermen, lobstermen, groundfishermen, and others over the state of Portland’s development currently.

In this podcast, you will hear from two well-respected members of the fishing industry, Jim Buxton and Willis Spear, about their histories, how they have seen Commercial St. change in their time in Portland and the issues that they face presently. This podcast is dedicated to the fishermen themselves.

The Perfect Port is part one of a three-part podcast series about the Portland Working Waterfront and the issues that have arisen between commercial fishermen, lobstermen, groundfishermen, and others over the state of Portland’s development currently.

Join us today for a thought-provoking interview with John Bullard, the Regional Administrator in charge of NOAA Fisheries from Maine to Cape Hatteras, NC. A native of New Bedford, Massachusetts (and the city's former mayor), John believes strongly that protecting the soul of New England means protecting our working waterfronts. Ben and John discuss what makes fisheries management so hard and the new difficulties posed by climate change.

Ben also shares the findings of a new study that demonstrate the impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation (or NAO, a short-term climate cycle similar to El Niño) on cod stocks in the northern Atlantic. Check out our website for more info on the NAO!

PLUS: Monique tells Ben the very sad story of Larry the lost lobster.

Photo of Mr. Bullard courtesy of GARFO.

Join us for this episode of Maine Coast Dock talk, where we take a trip down memory lane with fisherman Gladden Schrock. The interview you are about to hear is part of our Oral History Initiative. More histories can be found on the MCFA website.

This week Ben chats with the Island Institute's Nick Battista about marine spatial planning. Not many people know about marine spatial planning, but it has a huge impact on the way we all interact with the ocean, whether it's for fun or, like commercial fishermen, for our livelihoods. Ben and Monique also get into a debate about whether or not people will pay more for locally-sourced Maine seafood.

Join us for this very special episode of Maine Coast Dock talk, where Ben asks chef and author Barton Seaver why people should eat more fish. Barton, a new resident of Maine, specializes in seafood and has published two beautiful cookbooks on the subject (see MCFA blog for links). Ben and Monique will also discuss Ten Fishy Things To Do In Maine This Summer!

Join us for a fascinating interview with Anne Hayden of the Downeast Fisheries Partnership. On this episode of Maine Coast Dock Talk, Anne and our host Ben discuss the ways that forage fish populations connect Maine's rivers to the Gulf of Maine. Ben and Monique also explain why you should be eating even more seafood!

This week on Dock Talk, we'll discuss the recent controversy over the potential designation of a Marine National Monument in the Gulf of Maine with Michael Conathan, the Director of Ocean Policy at the Center for American Progress. Ben and Monique will also chat about the future of fisheries and seafood-flavored Kit Kats.

Click the link below to view the mentioned map of the proposed Cashes Ledge Marine National Monument: http://www.mainecoastfishermen.org/#!Controversy-on-Cashes-Ledge-Episode-2-of-Maine-Coast-Dock-Talk/lv5yc/56fd7f380cf2fa22e0ea5723