Executive Director, Paul Anderson has announced his plans to retire full time next year. Paul has been with MCCF for nearly five years and has spent almost 40 years in public service working on issues related to Maine's coast. He has not set a date, but is committed to working hard with the staff and Board of Directors to recruit a leader that will take the important work of MCCF to the next level. "I have enjoyed this work and I think the mission of MCCF and the niche we occupy between community, science and policy is absolutely essential to the sustainability of our coastal communities," Anderson said. Paul's personal situation with other activities and family have allowed him this opportunity to retire early and enjoy more fully his hobbies in music, gardening and travel. "I will always be connected to these working waterfront issues in some way and I will always be a supporter of MCCF."

The regulatory situation with the lobster fishery and the issue of risk to the endangered North Atlantic right whale continues to change frequently whereas back on Saturday, October 16, Maine U.S. District Court Judge Lance Walker ruled to postpone the nearly four-month federal closure to lobster fishing with endlines that was slated to begin October 18 in a 967 sq. mile portion of Lobster Area 1 overlapping with Maine Lobster Zones C, D, and E. We have now learned that a higher court in Boston has reversed that decision and has reinstated the closed area. On November 18, NOAA and DMR announced that the closure takes effect immediately, and that trap/pot gear needs to be removed immediately and the area will be closed through January 31, 2022. Fishermen that are part of a research project and have obtained appropriate state and federal permit exemptions may fish in this area with ropeless gear.  

 

As difficult as this may be to accept for fishermen, the whale conservation interests have been advocating for a complete shutdown of the lobster fishery. If you want to know more about what is known about the North Atlantic right whale from scientists who study them, watch our latest online Lunch & Learn.

On Tuesday, November 30, 2021, MCCF will join thousands of other nonprofits across the globe to raise awareness and money to support our mission through the use of social media. Join us as we celebrate #GivingTuesday and help us meet our fundraising goal of $10,000 that will directly support our collaborative programs and projects. We're excited to share that your gift of support on Giving Tuesday will be MATCHED thanks to an anonymous donor and long-time supporter of MCCF. Your gift will have double the impact.

You'll hear from some of our supporters, including partners, stakeholders, and fishermen on why they believe in MCCF and how you can be part of this global day of giving! Make sure you're following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Last month, MCCF's Chief Scientist, Dr. Carla Guenther was featured on Fish Talk, a podcast co-hosted by our friend Paul Greenberg, author of the bestselling book Four Fish. In this episode, Guenther talks about the state of lobster fishing and lobster populations in Maine, and features other guests who also highlight the many challenges confronting lobstermen. The podcast, which features a new episode weekly, travels from our kitchens to our coasts to better understand how fish gets to our plates. Listen to Episode 3: The Lobster’s Pinch today.