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New Hampshire Commercial Fisherman’s Association Newsletter

March 2025

Hello NHCFA members,

We hope you have all been well and have had a decent winter. It’s been a while since we’ve had such consistent low temperatures and relentless wind. Hopefully you had the opportunity to spend some time in a warmer place! We are now almost halfway through the month of March and have finally been seeing a few milder days…at least the time change has brought us longer days. 

· FISH AND GAME 

In the coming weeks we will have a date for trap cleanup day which will most likely be happening on a Saturday in the middle part of April. Fish and Game is trying to work out the details as a few things have changed regarding the agencies who donate the resources to dispose of the junk gear. When we get confirmation of this date we will send an email to our members.

· NEFMC  

· The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) is seeking public input to help develop a strategic plan for the Atlantic sea scallop fishery over the next 3-5 years. To gather feedback, NEFMC has set up 4 meetings:

o Rockport, Maine – Feb 27, 2025

o New Bedford, Massachusetts – Mar 4, 2025

o Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Mar 13, 2025

o Webinar – Mar 24, 2025

· The Council wants input on:
1.) The current state of the scallop fishery
2.)Future goals for the next 3-5 years
3.)Challenges such as ocean changes, fleet capacity, and scallop habitat
4.)Management strategies, including fishing practices and resource enhancement

Those unable to attend can submit written comments to NEFMC.

For more details and to register, visit www.nefmc.org. 

The New Hampshire Commercial Fishermen’s Association (NHCFA) proudly supports Peter Whelan as New Hampshire’s representative on the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) board. We have formally reached out to Governor Ayotte to express our endorsement, as this important appointment ultimately rests with the governor.

Serving on the NEFMC is a significant commitment, requiring substantial time and effort. Peter has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the industry, regularly attending our monthly meetings and providing valuable insights.

We sincerely appreciate Peter’s commitment to New Hampshire’s fishing community and will share further updates as the process unfolds.

·  ALWTRT

As of 2/28/25 there are at least 10 identified mom/calves. Since 1/1/2025 there has been no new large whale entanglements. Moving forward the team will be planning a series of webinars over the summer. Updates to follow as they come.

· ASMFC

In February, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) repealed a proposal to increase the minimum size of lobsters in the Gulf of Maine. The proposal was set to take effect in July 2025.

The ASMFC Lobster Board voted 7-1 with 3 abstentions to repeal elements of Amendment 27.

What happens next?
ASMFC believes the lobster industry must now find a different solution to protect the lobster populations. More updates will be provided if/when more meetings or proposals are introduced

· NEFSA

NEFSA’s annual meeting will be held in Portsmouth on Saturday, March 22nd at the Elks Club ( 500 Jones Avenue) at 5:30 with a dinner to follow at 7. To reserve a seat for the meeting, dinner, or both events you can call NEFSA at 207-536-1015. Choice of steak or chicken dinner, $50 a plate. 

They will also be doing a 50/50 raffle. A $100 ticket enters you in to win 50 brand new lobster traps built to your liking by Brooks Trap Mill or Friendship Trap Co. You will also receive 1000 lbs of Hyliner sink rope, 6 hi-flyer buoys complete with weights and flags and painted to your variation. The proceeds will be split between NEFSA and Marine Mammals of Maine. This is a $5,750 value!

· PORTSMOUTH & RYE PROJECT

The building at Portsmouth Fish pier has been torn down and removed from the area. With warmer weather approaching, one would expect to see a building soon. As we get updates we can pass it along.

· NEW ENGLAND YOUNG FISHERMEN’S ALLIANCE 

The New England Young Fishermen’s Alliance is currently looking for this years round of participants in their Deckhand to Captain Training Program. There are 9 open spots for eligible young fishermen to take a 9-month course to help them prepare for making the jump from deck to wheelhouse. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a $5,000 stipend and their mentor will receive $2,000. Classes are biweekly and help young fishermen prepare to be a owner-operator. Deadline to apply if April 1st.

For more information, visit https://www.neyoungfishermen.org/dtc-application

· CLOSING

A reminder: membership renewals are due. Dues are now $100 and can easily be renewed on our website nhfishermen.org, or the old-fashioned way by mailing a check to:  NHCFA

P.O. Box 601

Rye, NH 03870

Our next association meeting will be held on April 2nd from 5-7 at the New Castle Recreation Center (Macomber room upstairs), 301 Wentworth Room. 

The May meeting has also been booked for May 7th from 5-7 at the North Hampton Public Library. Josh Carloni will be attending our meeting. Josh is the head biologist for NH Fish and Game on Lobsters. That night we will be discussing what josh sees as a biologist and in turn we can discuss what we see as commercial lobstermen. Please bring your questions to the meeting. 

We hope to see you at our next meeting!

All the best,

NHCFA 

Board of Officers