I and my family have worked for decades in the lobster industry – particularly in the pounding or holding of live lobster. Lobstering is Maine’s premier fishery. It employs thousands and generates millions of dollars in our state.

On Nov. 6, I will cast “yes” votes on Question 2 and Question 3, in favor of bonds to supply research and economic development funds through the Maine Technology Institute and improvements to labs and buildings of the University of Maine. Here’s why.

Research and development funds and quality lab facilities are needed to help create new jobs, but are also important to help us keep our bread and butter jobs in fisheries, forestry, the paper industry and agriculture. I’ve seen firsthand the value of scientific research conducted at UM, and the quality of Maine’s student scientists as well. Over the past 30 years, I’ve worked side by side with researchers and students from the university’s Lobster Institute on several projects that helped address some serious problems in the lobster pounding industry.

Several years ago, lobster pounds were plagued by a disease called “red tail” or “gaffekemia.” Working with university scientists and students, we were able to find a cure for our lobsters and manage the problem industry-wide.

Lobster pounds are again experiencing “shrinkage” or loss of a fair percentage of the lobsters being stored. As executive director of the Maine Lobster Pound Association, I called the university’s Maine Aquatic Animal Health Lab and the Lobster Institute and they met with us. They have researchers and students working together with several pound owners. Without their expertise and state-of-the art equipment, we would shooting in the dark to try to find answers.

University researchers are working with me and other companies to help find environmentally safe and effective alternatives or supplements to herring.

Investing in R & D, and improving our universities’ labs is an investment in my own business.

Herbert Hodgkins

Lobster Products Inc.

Hancock