Today’s Press Herald reports on a research to better understand the lifecycle of alewives which are an important bait fish for lobstermen,
Like the Atlantic salmon and other anadromous fish, which live in salt water but return to freshwater rivers and lakes to spawn, the alewife population has declined drastically. In the late 1950s, 70 million pounds of river herring were being landed along the East Coast annually, compared with fewer than 1 million pounds today. Researchers are trying to understand what is causing the decline.
and an article on elimination of restrictions on producing lobster products,
Tens of millions of pounds of Maine-caught lobster are shipped each year to Canada, where they are turned into value-added products that can be processed there — but not in Maine. A new law taking effect this summer aims to even out the playing field for processors and marketers.
Great article and great source of local food history. Check out the Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration Project. http://www.damariscottamills.org
In addition to having a functioning fish ladder and dipper system, the towns involved provide alewives to local lobstermen. Every year for memorial day weekend we have a festival. Where I roast whole pig for the event, all proceeds are donated to the fishladder. Lots of other local food as well as a great time. Check it out. This year we are going to have a Alewife cooking contest/cookbook as well.