Lobstermen hit hard by low prices are looking for new business models to help make themselves profitable, according to an article in this week’s edition of The Forecaster.
Chebeague Island, a handful of men in thick flannel shirts joked: “How many lobstermen does it take to change a light bulb? … Change?” But that’s exactly what they were setting out to do.
CSFs are front and center in this article in the Food & Health section of today’s Press Herald. According to the article, a number of community supported fisheries will be on hand at the CSA Fairs taking place across the state on February 8.
As of last week, organizers were expecting lobster and mussel shares to be offered in Portland, lobster and shrimp in Brunswick, and mussels in Newcastle. Seafood shares were also expected to be available in Belfast, Orono and maybe Saco and Ellsworth.
Glen Libby, chairman of the Midcoast Fishermen’s Association, authored a Maine Voices article for today’s Press Herald about fisheries management. He call the current days at sea approach a “dismal failure” but expresses hope in a new sector based management and other ideas like CSFs.
“In addition to forming a sector, our fishermen have created Community Supported Fisheries based on the successful agriculture model, Community Supported Agriculture.
In partnership with the Island Institute, this has allowed us to change the current marketing structure from catching high volumes of lower-quality fish that sell for a low price to catching low volumes of higher-quality fish that sell for a premium price.
By selling directly to the people of Maine, we have established a way to keep Maine’s fishermen fishing, and our customers now feel a strong sense of ownership for the fishery and the fishermen in the Gulf of Maine.”
Lobster prices have begun to rebound according to an article in today’s Press Herald.
“Lobster prices are rising after months in the tank, but with poor weather conditions and much of their fishing gear pulled from the water, not many fishermen are reaping the rewards.”
Local Foodie is working on a project this year to create “an interactive map that represents all aspects of the food system and can be used by consumers, producers, distributors, and everyone in between to make connections with local food.” It sounds like a great idea. I look forward to seeing it come together.
Here’s more on the Maine Shrimp season from Portland Psst!.
Thanks once again to Johnny D there’s a thread on the eGullet Forums devoted to following the Maine Shrimp season.