Dear Editor:

On behalf of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those involved in the recent fundraiser held at Robinson’s Wharf to benefit the Save Maine Lobstermen’s Legal Defense Fund. A huge thank you to everyone at Robinson’s who made this event so successful, with a special thank you to Craig Slater and family for hosting the event at the “Wharf,” and for the generous donation of 100% of the proceeds to the cause. I would also like to thank all of the sponsors for their support. A big thank you goes to all businesses and individuals who donated goods for the silent auction, as well as those who bid on those items. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to organize and pull off an event like this and make it so successful. It is greatly appreciated. Lastly, it was wonderful to see so many people come out in support of this event.

The MLA started the Legal Defense Fund in order to raise money to fight back and sue the National Marine Fisheries Service, who are not using the best available science to base new lobstering regulations to save the North Atlantic Right Whales. These new regulations that they are proposing will mean drastic changes to the way lobstering will be done in the future, both in federal and state waters. Also, as of last week, the MLA has joined in a lawsuit against the Monterey Bay Aquarium as they have red-listed Maine lobster based on the same flawed science the NMFS is using. These lawsuits are very time-consuming and costly to fight, so that is why fundraising events such as this one are so important; they allow the MLA to keep up the fight. The MLA is very fortunate to have the support of so many people and businesses. They have stepped up to help an industry that is extremely important to our state, and especially to all of its coastal towns who depend on lobsters for their economies to be strong!

Once again, thank you for your generous support! If you would like to learn more about the MLA and the Legal Defense Fund, you will find information at mainelobstermen.org.

Mark Jones

Boothbay