Lost among the new lobster trap floating rope rule and this year’s difficult lobster price is mandatory reporting. Starting this year, all lobster dealers and 10 percent of lobster fishermen are required to report their daily catch, price, location of traps, captain’s name and boat name. Individuals not complying will lose their dealer or fishing license. There are many problems with this new Department of Marine Resources rule.

A concern should be that often government programs are started with one purpose and then used for another. Mandatory reporting could end up being a means for other agencies such as the Maine Revenue Service to obtain financial records. The release by lobster dealers to DMR of the daily catch and price per pound is disclosing personal financial records, which is at the very least an invasion of privacy. Additionally, it is an unfunded mandate. Increased time and labor will be required without compensation for dealers or lobstermen. DMR representatives indicate that the National Marine Fisheries Service is requiring state fishing agencies to do this. It should be noted that the state does not readily follow the federal government on every issue.

DMR already receives monthly updates of catches from lobster dealers. The systematic daily catch breakdown will allow DMR a greater scientific management of the industry. The data will allow DMR to make their case for increased regulation of lobstering. This does not bode well for fishermen. New regulations will come from the increased amount of data, and it will restrict those who try to make a living lobstering. I urge lobster fishermen to contact state legislators about this rule. Lobstering is a proud tradition, but it remains to be seen if it can continue to thrive with the increasing number of rules and regulations.

Ryan Boyd

South Gouldsboro