Patrice McCarron

In response to USCG interim rule [Docket Number USCG-2009-0595] to establish a permanent safety zone around Seal Island, Maine, the Maine Lobstermen's Association (MLA) requests that the USCG hold a public hearing in Vinalhaven, Maine to hear feedback from the fishermen who will be displaced as a result of this rulemaking. More than 30 Maine lobstermen fish the affected waters around Seal Island and depend on it to make a living. Of those 30, 10 lobstermen rely on that fishing ground for the majority of their income. The permanent closure proposed around Seal Island will cause significant financial hardship for these lobstermen. Given that the fishermen who depend on these fishing grounds live on an island and rely on lobster fishing for their living, this income will be lost and cannot be easily replaced. The USCG’s action to establish a permanent safety zone around Seal Island without any input from fishermen is not warranted. This area has not been used as an aerial bombing and target range by the US government for more than 60 years. Since that time, this area has been heavily fished, endured significant weather and storms, with no harm to fishermen. GiveIt seems reasonable that the USCG could take the time to meet with fishermen to discuss any new developments with regard to the safety of fishing these waters and discuss potential solutions other than a permanent closure. Given the significant economic hardship caused by this rule and the fact that no one has been harmed by munitions or explosives since this site was abandoned as a bombing and target range over 60 years ago, no action should be taken without consulting affected fishermen. The MLA strongly urges USCG to hold a public hearing on Vinalhaven to listen to the experiences of these fishermen and fully understand the economic impacts of this proposed rule. Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Patrice McCarron, Executive Director Maine Lobstermen's Association