Accomplishments
Over the past twelve months, the directors and members of MSA have been working hard to build the organization, increase membership, and to establish a working relationship with DMR and the Maine Legislature. They have also been working on some of the major issues confronting the shellfish industry. Listed below are some noteworthy accomplishments.
- Have two Representatives to the new Shellfish Advisory Council
- Provided input to the Marine Resources Committee concerning follow-up legislation Review
- Hosted a discussion about communication in the shellfish industry at the the Fishermen's Forum, February 2008
- Participated in the Review as part of the Industry Advisory Panel(IAP)
- Provided input to the Marine Resources Committee concerning the review of the DMR water Quality program
- Lobbied the Legislature to increase funding to DMR for increased testing to mitigate closings
- Attended DMR public meetings concerning Red Tide disaster funding
- Took a position on Red Tide disaster funding, recommending that payments go to harvesters
- Had outreach meetings in St George and Scarborough
- Have created a web site
- Will be exhibiting at the Fisherman’s Forum
- Are tracking bills in the current legislature
- Received the Best Area Wide Project award from the Down East Resource Conservation and Development Council