Maine Fishermen’s Forum set for March in Rockport

The Maine Fishermen’s Forum is set for March 2-4 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. Submitted photo

For the first time in three years, the Maine Fishermen’s Forum is scheduled to hold a live event Thursday-Saturday, March 2-4, at the Samoset Resort, 220 Warrenton St. in Rockport.

This 48th annual event provides educational seminars covering topics including Management Actions Affecting Gillnet Fisheries, Plastic Aquaculture Gear, Economics of the Lobster Fleet, Eastern Maine Skippers Program, DMR Lobster Science Update, Gulf of Maine Scallop Fishery, and a Seafood Cooking Demonstration.

A tentative seminar schedule will be available at mainefishermensforum.org. Attendance is free, and families are encouraged to attend with children’s activities available, according to a news release from Chilloa Young, forum coordinator.

This year’s event also features the largest trade show in the history of the forum — exhibitors showing lobster traps, marine gear, new fishing gear, boatbuilders and dozens of others as well. They will display their wares for fishermen, scientists and the managers who attend the show annually.

A Coast Guard-approved ASHI First Aid/CPR training course will be offered Thursday, March 2 to only 10 applicants for a $50 fee. Applications are available and registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Coast Guard’s Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Program will provide water safety training in the Samoset pool. In addition to life raft and immersion suit training free inspections of immersion suits is also offered.

Thursday’s seafood reception is followed by Friday fish dinner, sponsored by Portland Fish Exchange. Saturday night’s surf and turf dinner will offer dancing music by the Paul Houston Project.

There will be a scholarship auction and a silent auction to raise funds for student scholarships, and every penny raised is awarded on Saturday night. The forum has awarded more than $587,000 in scholarships to students from families involved in Maine’s fisheries.

An anonymous fisherman has donated two $8,000 scholarships as well, to be awarded this March.

For more information, contact Young at 207-442-7700 or coordinator@mainefishermensforum.org.