Monhegan Island â € "their struggle for survival
A few summers ago, my wife and I decided to take a two-day holiday to Monhegan Island off the coast of Maine. We had heard that this small rocky island was one of the most beautiful and peaceful places anywhere in New England. The ferry ride from Port Clyde to Monhegan took about an hour and had time to read a little about this mystical place that we were going.
Monhegan is a small square mile island of just over ten miles off the coast of Maine. It is accessible only by boat or ferry and there are no cars or paved roads on the island. Apparently, the explorer John Smith visited in the early 1600A € ™ s, and the island was known by Native Americans as a prime fishing area. In more recent times Monhegan Island has become a center lobster fishing, a haven for artists, and a summer retreat for people attracted by its landscape, its flora and fauna, its history and its many miles of spectacular hiking cliff side. It is also home to fewer than two dozen lobstermen and their families who make up the bulk of the population throughout the year.
Since the lobster fishery is one of Maineâ € ™ s largest industries, not surprised to see hundreds of colorful buoys attached to lobster traps lobster floating in the harbor of Port Clyde Leaving. However, as we approached the harbor of Monhegan Island I was struck by the fact that in this active community lobster fishery no buoys floating colors. It is also surprising to see tall stacks of lobster traps, fishing lines and buoys along the track grass to our Bed and Breakfast.
After settling into the store I wandered up to Mohegan to satisfy my curiosity about the lack of activity of lobster and for the next hour or so found a lot of local information about the challenge of fishing for lobster in Maine and especially here at the Mohegan Island. Apparently, the lobster industry has weakened the entire coast of Maine through overexploitation. Maine lobstermen have traditionally protected their share of resources through lobster territories These territories were officers with no law in question. In any port of lobstermen who have an informal agreement in which each member community can set their traps. Young people who want to enter the fishery could start with some traps or work as a â € € œsternmanâ bait and gear for a fisherman hauling established. Finally, he or she be allowed to take control of a territory. If a newcomer tries enter the game that his team could find to move or even have their buoy line break. Since our visit to Monhegan Island this summer, this intense competition martinicus became violent in Maine, where a lobsterman long arms and her daughter called two fellow islanders. The lobsterman fired, shooting a man she had known for decades.
In 1998, in a bold move to ensure a permanent livelihood for their families, the fishing community Monhegan Island was able to get a law passed in Maine for the exclusive rights to the families of lobsters from the island to a radius of two miles of ocean around the rock island bound. In the exchange of lobsters off Monhegan was restricted from December 1 to June 25. In 2007 the fishermen according to maximum 475 of the trap (of a maximum of 600) in exchange for two additional months in season. This year, the State of Maine Department of Marine Resources, established a limit of 300 traps in each Fisher said that while this is the lower limit of the trap in Maine, lobstermen benefit of competition without the rings on the island. But fishermen from here say that low prices for their catches, traps less and the high cost of fuel and electricity have brought their survival as a community of fishermen.
My wife and I went to Monhegan Island with a deep appreciation for its beauty and tranquility and a deeper appreciation of lobstermen and their families keep the island and, next to EEK life in a hostile environment and competitive. Hopefully the demand for Maine lobster continue to expand and with guaranteed overnight delivery to more consumers around the country will have the opportunity to experience the wonderful taste of the fresh Maine lobster.
About the Author
Neal Smith lives in Montague, Massachusetts and is the web manager for an on-line gourmet food marketplace for some of the finest foods found in New England including fresh lobster and seafood, bisque and chowders, Vermont cheddar and maple syrup, gourmet coffee, raw honey, fresh salsa and barbecue sauces, and homemade oatcakes.
http://www.gourmetnewengland.com
Retriever Challenge
|
|
Jim Buoy 400 No-Tip Realistic Life Ring Drink Coasters – 6 Pack $19.45 Man overboard! Or, in this case, “Drink overboard!” Resembling small buoys, these coasters are perfect for use on your boat or dockside. Included in the pack of six buoys are three differently colored stripes: red, blue, and yellow. This six pack of drink coasters are made of thick white foam, tall enough that they will resist tipping. So, while they may not save anyone’s life, they may save your … |
|
|
STEARNS I030ORG-00-REF Ring Buoy,Orange,Polyethylene Throwable Ring Buoy,Buoyancy 32 lb.,Polyethylene,Orange,Dimensions 30 W x 4 H x 30 In. Dia,Standards USCG Approved Type IV,Includes -… |
|
|
Foam Ring Buoy for Swimming Pool & Lake $24.49 This foam ring buoy adds safety to any pool area. Its soft surface will withstand years of sun and weather. Comes complete with nylon 7.5 ft tow rope and multi-color trim. (Note: rope is sewn to the straps on buoy, is not free moving)…. |
|
|
Ring Buoy Wall Hook – Stainless Steel $28.25 Wall mount style with hardware included…. |
|
|
Plastic Life Preserver $3.99 Our plastic Life Preserver features a white ring with orange accents. Each one-sided life preserver decoration measures 23 inches. The life preserver is fabulous hanging on walls or add it to your party tables as a centerpiece…. |
|
|
Disney Cars Drift Swim Rings Swimming Pool Toys for Kids Disney Cars Drift for Boys Aged 3 Years and Up $6.95 Enjoy a summer splash in the swimming pool with your favorite Disney character water floaties! This flotation device which inflates from 20″ to 17.5″ is sure to give your kids a fun way to ride the waves!… |
|
|
Disney Nemo Swim Rings for Kids Swimming Pool Toys for Boys Disney Nemo for Boys 3 Years and Up $6.95 Enjoy a summer splash in the swimming pool with your favorite Disney character water floaties! This flotation device which inflates from 20″ to 17.5″ is sure to give your kids a fun way to ride the waves!… |
|
|
10 Red and White Life Preserver Ring for Tropical Beach Decor or Pool Party $7.99 Realistic looking small red and white nautical life preserver ring or life buoy ring will make a great addition to your nautical decor or as a table centerpiece for a wedding or other beach theme special occasion…. |
|
|
February Birthday Special – Aqua Blue and Ring Buoy Card 5 x 7 inch premium quality folded paper greeting card. Birthday Party invitations & photo Birthday Party invitations are available at Greeting Card Universe. A picture is worth a thousand words, so why not send a photo Birthday Party invitation this year? Turn to Greeting Card Universe for all your Birthday Party invitation needs. This paper card includes the following themes: February, February b… |
|
|
Amphibx Fit Waterproof and Sweatproof Armband for iPhone, iPod touch, Large MP3 Players, and Music-Enabled Phones (Black/Clear) $39.99 The Amphibx Fit provides the protection you need and the functionality you want in, an armband so light and streamlined, you’ll barely know its there. | Designed for high performance and comfort in the water or out, the Amphibx fit lightweight armband is perfect for mutisport athletes, fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking for wearable, 100% waterproof protection for their iphone,driod, ipod or an… |
