Hello Alaska Trollers!
My name is Kristan Porter and I am President of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association. I have been watching what is happening to you guys from the east coast.
The situation you are all in is very similar to the one we are in. Basically, it is the Environmental Groups trying to put hard working fisherman out of business using whales as a vehicle to do it. Like you we pride ourselves on having one of the most sustainable fisheries in the US, making sure that we always have a fishery for the next generation.
Without the Lobster Fishery here in Maine the coastal communities would disappear and our way of life would be gone. That is why we couldn’t go down without a fight. We decided a few years ago that we would do whatever it took to save our fishery from being shut down by the NGOs and NMFS even going so far as suing the federal government.
As you have probably heard we WON that case. This win did not come without some really dark days when we almost threw in the towel, but too much was at stake. We made some pretty bold decisions hoping the fishermen and the local communities would financially help us and they did.
Now you too have won a huge victory in the courts. Congratulations on your stay. You now have time to come with a permanent fix.
The reason I am writing you is to tell you DO NOT GIVE UP! Neither of us are out of the woods yet but we have definitely turned the tide in our favor. Our future looks a lot brighter than it did just a few weeks ago.
Just remember, our way of life is worth fighting for….right to the end.