"New rules for black sea bass fishery in Maine" by Patrick Whittle | Associated Press August 30, 2014
PORTLAND, Maine — Maine fishery officials on Friday proposed regulations to manage black sea bass, a species that is increasing in abundance in the state’s waters.
The regulations would govern recreational and commercial fishing of the species, said Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher. He called black sea bass a ‘‘new commercially viable species’’ for the state.
Commercial fishermen would face a quota of 10,850 pounds of black sea bass in 2014. The proposed regulations also include a daily catch limit of 10 fish for recreational fishermen. The method of fishing for recreational and commercial is to be hook-and-line.
Scientists say black sea bass are increasing in Maine’s waters because of accelerated water temperature increase over the past 10 years. Water temperature in the Gulf of Maine has increased about a half-degree per year since 2004, according to scientists at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.
Maine fishermen welcome the new fishery, but the state should take a conservative approach to avoid overfishing black sea bass before they become more firmly established in the local waters, said Ben Martens, executive director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association.
He said the state’s proposed rules are appropriately cautious.
‘‘It’s great to have some of these smaller fisheries that new fishermen who are getting started can fish for,’’ Martens said. ‘‘And more established fishermen can diversify.’’
The proposed rules are subject to public comments until Sept. 8. The rules also set a catch limit of 50 pounds of black sea bass per calendar day. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will set Maine’s commercial sea bass quota every year by May 1, Keliher said.
Fishermen in 11 states caught more than 2.6 million pounds of black sea bass in 2012, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data says. Florida and Virginia were the most productive states. The fishery was valued at nearly $7 million.
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"Boston man guilty of transporting women for prostitution
A Boston man has been found guilty in a Maine court of transporting women for prostitution. Fritz Blanchard, 28, was convicted Thursday after a four-day jury trial in Portland. Officials said that Blanchard and Samuel Gravely drove three Maine women from Portland to Boston with the intention of having them work as prostitutes there. Authorities said Blanchard taught two of the women how to attract customers on the street. US Attorney Thomas Delahanty’s office said Blanchard could receive as much as 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Gravely pleaded guilty in November but has not been sentenced."
"Crossing guard reports to work — even after job is cut
Even though the Augusta, Maine, school board eliminated crossing guards this summer, one guard is reporting for duty for anyway. Sherry MacArthur helped children cross the street near Lincoln Elementary School on Wednesday and Thursday. MacArthur, 48, who has been a crossing guard for nine years, told the Kennebec Journal her conscience would not allow her to risk the safety of children. She said drivers frequently speed on the four-lane highway near the school. The city cut all crossing guards earlier this month, saying few students walk to school these days. The move saved $47,000. MacArthur said she plans to keep showing up."
