The Harpswell Select Board has chosen seven residents to serve on a new committee that will advise the town on matters related to Harpswell fisheries.
The Select Board had unanimously approved the Fisheries Committee’s creation and mission statement in May. At its meeting on Wednesday, June 25, the board selected its members.
The seven members are shellfish harvester David Wilson, lobsterman George Prince, former commercial fisherman Jerry Leeman III, scalloper Seth Walker, aquaculturist Samantha Bohan, wharf owner Alison Hawkes, and town Harbor and Waterfront Committee member William “Billy” Saxton, who is also a co-owner of The Dolphin Marina and Restaurant.
Select Board member Matt Gilley, a lobsterman, will serve as the board’s liaison to the committee. The group will assume some responsibilities previously handled by the now-defunct Aquaculture Working Group, which wrapped up its work in June. Four of the new committee’s members also served on the working group.
The committee’s activities will include reviewing the town’s Waters Classification Plan each year, advising on aquaculture and wharf proposals in historical fishing areas, supporting public outreach and education, partnering on events such as a local fisheries festival, and consulting on ordinance changes affecting Harpswell waters.
The committee plans to meet at 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Harpswell Town Office. Its inaugural meeting is scheduled for July 9.
