In partnership with Carousel Marina’s Boothbay Harbor Tuna Challenge, the Fishermen's Memorial Committee recently announced the creation of a commercial fishing casualty fund, which will be available to anyone in the state for future losses in the industry.  

Dispersal will depend on available funds, but applicants may receive up to a $10,000 one-time, stipulation-free payment. 

“You never know anybody's situation. Somebody might want it for funeral costs, but someone else might need it to buy groceries the next week,” said committee president Andrew Morley. 

Morley explained that the committee has been previously approached for funding to help the families left behind, but they did not have the means or ability to do so, as it wasn’t included in their 501 (c) (3) non-profit mission statement.  

The committee was originally established to maintain Fishermen’s Memorial Park, as well as a scholarship for a graduating senior going into marine studies. For the past few years, this has been funded through monies raised from the Tuna Challenge. According to Morley, they received $40,000 last year.  

The steady stream of income has allowed for major renovations on the park, including an irrigation system and the installation of new lights, but the committee now feels it's in a financially good place to maintain its initial two purposes. From now on, any money donated from the Tuna Challenge will go towards the casualty fund. This year's event runs from Aug. 30 – Sept. 6.

“The committee felt it was important) just because of the nature of commercial fishing, fishermen live season to season and a lot of times don't have a backup,” said Morley.  

Morley also believes that it will bring a sense of morale among the fishermen participating in the challenge, as their contributions will be going back to the community. 

Money previously raised or donated for the park or scholarship will remain untouched in a separate account. Details about payment and updating the mission statement are still in progress, but Morley hopes everything will be finalized by November. 

To make a donation or learn more, Morley can be contacted at morfish2@gmail.com