August 3, 2012 — The following was released by the Maine Coast Fisherman's Association.
Topsham, ME: The Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA) recently expanded its staff and hired Lucy Van Hook as the Fisheries Program Coordinator. The Fisheries Program Coordinator position is partially funded by the Community Building Grant Program of the Maine Community Foundation, which aims to support organizations and programs that recognize and build-on a community’s strengths and assets.
The Maine Commercial fishing industry has been in decline over the past two decades putting our iconic fishing heritage at risk. Those who target groundfish, like cod and haddock, have especially felt the sting of massive consolidation as the number of businesses in Maine have been reduced by over 70% since 1996. MCFA works with local fishermen to keep them informed, active, and engaged in the regulatory process while also building stronger businesses to ensure the long-term success of our resource and coastal communities.
“With the addition of Lucy to our team,” said Ben Martens, Executive Director of MCFA. “We hope to build a greater constituency, engage more fishermen, and establish a firm base from which our organization can continue to grow and support the community-based fishermen of Maine.”
Over the past year, MCFA has grown with the guidance and efforts of the fishermen who formed the organization to provide a unified voice for community-based fishermen. Having another staff member allows MCFA to increase the effectiveness of the Association.
“Preserving the fishing communities along our coast and protecting Maine's cultural identity requires successful fishing businesses, healthy fish stocks and a establishing a strong voice to advocate on behalf of Maine's fisherman. We’re excited to have this opportunity to bring on new staff better serve the fishermen of Maine,” said Gerry Cushman, board president out of Port Clyde.
The Fisheries Program Coordinator will work on several ongoing projects with partner agencies, The Island Institute, The Nature Conservancy, Penobscot East Resource Center, and Gulf of Maine Resource Institute. Projects include sustainability research focusing on increasing fuel efficiency on boats and avoiding non-target species, business planning with fishermen, supporting the Port Clyde Community Groundfish Sector and advocating for common sense approaches to fishing regulations that support a diverse fleet out on the water. “I am thrilled to be working with MCFA to support sustained community-based fishing in Maine and look forward to getting started,” said Van Hook.
Read the release here.