Not good times for the fishing industry

It's Fishermen's Festival weekend in Boothbay Harbor - the 35 th annual celebration of the fishing industry here in Lincoln County. While the focus is designed to be a celebration with fun and games, and a time of remembrance, paying tribute to the many fishermen from the midcoast who have been lost at sea over the years, it's also a time to think about the future of the industry.

Things are not good. That's the simplified way of saying it. Groundfishing is in deep trouble, with scientists steadfastly insisting that we must reduce effort or we will see some species become near-extinct. Our fishermen are allowed limited days at sea, cutting their incomes severely. Some have already lost their boats or have sold them and turned to other endeavors. Those who persevere find government regulations overwhelming, and often dangerous.

Urchin fishermen, scallopers, and shrimpers are likewise finding that the plentiful stocks of the past no longer exist. It's a struggle to make a living.

Lobstermen endure fluctuations in price throughout the year even though their expenses never drop. Their fuel prices, just like those of the groundfishermen, are skyrocketing out of control, making it hard to justify even leaving the dock. And bait promises to be in short supply in the coming months due to new regulations on herring which may take any consistency out of landings, creating feast or famine, depending upon the time of year.

Waterfront access for commercial fishing interests is in short supply, with the industry unable to pay the high prices being offered by out-of-staters and others with deeper pockets who want to live on the water.

Today's rules and regulations are choking the small fisherman who is being replaced by the big boys, and it's a trend which is likely to continue so that someday, maybe very soon, the small, independent fisherman gets pushed out completely. There's more and more paperwork for everything you do, and it's mind-boggling to many fishermen; they know how to fish, not fill out forms.

Those enjoying the weekend festivities in nearby Boothbay Harbor should remember the prominent role fishing has played in Coastal Maine's economy over the years, and how unsure its future. These are not good times.