Last US sardine cans being packed in Maine

[meherring]

I am not one for engaging in these online discussions, but Basicpatrick has gone too far and it is insulting to Maine fishermen and especially to those in Prospect Harbor who have just lost their jobs - some of whom I have known for 25+ years. Basicpatrick and his like are just trying to displace the blame from their role in this plant closing. Their relentless attacks on the herring fishery - not supported by facts - have more to do with this plant closing than any science or facts about the fishery.

The inshore quota was not reduced because the fishery has not caught the total quota for the fishery - this is just total nonsense! Having attended all public meetings relative to this issue, this was never mentioned as a rational by anyone. Again, this is fabricated by those who attempt to displace their guilt onto others. The total quota was reduced becuase of scientific uncertainty and the inshore quota that Stinson's relied heavily on was drastically reduced because of a political campaign that Basicpatirck has been participating in for a number of years - along with Earth Justice, CHOIR and Pew - all friends of fishermen everywhere!

In fact, the resource is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. While a number of issues did arise from the most recent stock assessment, it was a consensus of the participating scientists that the stock appears to be stable and that current removals from the fishery have maintained a relatively abundant stock size.

Basicpatrick is right - he is zealot and totally lacking in factual information. Bycatch in this fishery is not ugly - in fact information for the fishery indicates it is one of the cleanest in the region. People like Patrick just say "well we don't believe it." To say most countries ban midwater trawling is not correct. In fact, the largest fishery in the US ( BSAI pollock) is MSC certified as sustainable and prosecuted with midwater trawls. As for the GL letter he posted - I know Gary and do not believe he wrote it. I do beleive he signed it, but most likely written by Earth Justice.

As I said, I have never participated in these online forums but this spin goes way too far. The reality is people like Patrick felt way too comfortable going after the big bad boats and can't own up to their own part in the outcome of this plant closing. and blaming Maine herring fishermen to boot. Take a look in the mirror Patrick and then take a look at the people you hang out with. Every night before you go to bed think about the 140 people in Prospect who lost their jobs!