June 30, 2014 — Maine’s elver fishers want to continue to be responsible participants in the fishery but fear a regulatory agency might reduce their catch so other states can cut in on the tiny-eel-harvesting industry.
In May, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission board approved Draft Addendum IV to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for the American eel, which proposes a range of “management options” aimed at reducing mortality rates and increasing conservation of American eel stocks.
The changes were proposed in response to a 2012 benchmark stock assessment that found the American eel population in U.S. waters was depleted, according to the commission.
The biggest concern for Maine eel fishers is the regulations surrounding glass eels, or elvers. In the 2014 season, Mainers caught 9,300 pounds — or 85 percent — of the statewide quota for the young American eels.
More than 50 fishers from across the state gathered on Monday afternoon at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer to learn more about what the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is considering and offer its opinions.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission offered 10 ideas for conserving the elver fisheries.
There was heavy support among fishermen, the American Eel Sustainability Association and Maine Elver Fishermen Association for Option 1, which could allow the state to restore eel quotas to 2013 levels. However, both associations also said they’d be willing, if not more willing, to back Option 2, which would maintain regulations and quotas set in 2014 and show good faith toward ensuring cooperation with the state and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Read the full story at the Bangor Daily News