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by Stephen Robbins III

Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is responding to the needs of fishermen who have been very vocal in the public comment process concerning the impending Final Rule to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP). Fishermen have stated that due to the unique bottom habitat and its coarse rocky ledges, boulder fields and outcroppings, the need is imperative for some type of flotation in the groundlines of the commercial lobster trap gear that they fish. This is counter to the language that is anticipated in the Final Rule, which will be published some time during the latter part of this year. For many fishermen, a coast wide mandate for the exclusive use of sinking groundline means a dramatic change to their fishing practices and, thus, their ability to make a living and support Maine’s economy. The lobster industry accounts for, roughly, three hundred million dollars of Maine’s annual economy.

In response to the dilemma of providing protection to endangered large whales (especially the North Atlantic Right Whale, currently listed in “jeopardy” status under the Endangered Species Act) and protection of the fishing industry, Maine is proposing to introduce the concept of “low profile” groundlines. The proposed groundlines may reduce, and potentially eliminate, “takes” of large whales caused by entanglement in fixed gear. “Low profile” groundlines will allow for reduced rope arcs in the water column, which will deter interactions of large whales during periods of diving, foraging and other pertinent behavior. At the same time, the rope’s buoyancy will allow safe and productive fishing.

Two independent rope manufacturers have provided DMR with four different rope types for testing in 2006, and both were project suppliers in 2005. The previous years’ ropes have provided a base of evaluation to determine what is essential in terms of handling, strength and abrasion resistance. We will document and evaluate rope arcs and groundline behavior with the use of data loggers in real world working environments (see Commercial Fisheries News, November 2005 issue).

Hy-Liner Rope Co., LLC of Thomaston, has manufactured a 7/16" diameter groundline, which is silver/gray/white in color with a distinctive orange tracer for this year, and is referred to as Hy-Liner Lo Pro 2006.

Polysteel Atlantic Ltd. of Edwardsville NS, Canada has manufactured three different types of experimental groundline for this year for Maine DMR, all of which are 7/16" in diameter. Each of the three types is color coded to allow for greater accountability in performance evaluation by fishermen.

Type A was produced as having the same specific gravity as that of seawater.

Type B was produced and is “slightly heavier” than that of the specific gravity of seawater (an estimated 10% of that number).

Type C was produced as having an estimated 15% higher buoyancy rate than that of seawater.

Tide extremes, current, salinity and temperature fluctuations—all extremely dynamic conditions in the Gulf of Maine—have great impact on rope performance and it is important to note performance and behavior during the life of this project, or any other projects that may follow.

We hope to accurately document these behaviors to illustrate the complexity of Maine’s specific environment, and thus, to help determine the best course of action in the event that gear modifications are necessary for the Maine fishing industry. in the near future and the long run as well.

Stephen Robbins III
Maine DMR Gear Specialist
stephen.robbins@maine.gov
207-350-6014 (cellular)


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