The Harpswell Fisheries Committee is asking for about 15 minutes of every local lobsterman’s time to help it add the areas where they fish to a recently developed map.
The map was created earlier this year to reduce conflicts between traditional fishing and aquaculture. It shows where local commercial fishing occurs so that information can be considered when applications for new aquaculture leases are reviewed.
The map grew out of the former Harpswell Aquaculture Working Group, which brought fishermen and sea farmers together to examine the growth of aquaculture and its impact on Harpswell, including the town’s traditional fisheries. The group urged state officials to use the map to better understand local fishing activity and avoid future conflicts.
The Fisheries Committee was recently formed from the former working group and meets at 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Harpswell Town Office. More information is available on the town’s website at harpswell.maine.gov.
The committee said participation will help avoid gear conflicts and will not require lobstermen to share personal data. Lobstermen who attend a meeting to provide input will be placed at the top of the agenda so they don’t have to wait.
