The 37th annual Maine Fishermen's Forum took place last week at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, and once again served up an opportunity to look, listen and talk about the state of Maine's fishing industries. Fishermen, federal and state scientists, seafood dealers, environmental organizations, state legislators, and individuals working in the state's many different fisheries industries ate, drank and argued together in a noisy but cheerful atmosphere.
Governor LePage addressed forum-goers on Friday morning before introducing the new Department of Marine Resources (DMR) commissioner, Patrick Keliher, who was confirmed in late January. The governor said his administration is committed to moving the fishing industries of the state forward: "They are economic engines, but more than that they are a lifestyle." He called for better identification and marketing of Maine's lobsters in the face of mislabeling by other states and Canadian provinces.
Commissioner Keliher said DMR's mission is to "sustain the resources and our coastal communities." To do that, he intends to emphasize proactive planning in order to forestall any abrupt dips or changes in the state's fishing industries. "We have a lot we can do to control our own destiny," he said.
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