News of Maine’s Coast and Islands
THE WORKING
volume 35, № 3
published by the island institute
Halibut—a huge, thrilling, and tasty fish
n
may 2021 n free circulation: 50,000 n
workingwaterfront.com
NEW FERRY LAUNCHED—
Month-long season on this flatfish begins May 18 By Laurie Schreiber
“O
nce you’ve caught a halibut, you’ll never be the same, if you like fishing,” said Erik Waterman, a commercial fisherman who lives in South Thomaston and fishes out of Spruce Head. Waterman was talking about wild-caught Atlantic halibut, one of the largest fish in the Gulf of Maine and the largest species of flatfish in the world. Usually he’s out trapping lobsters. But he’s fished for halibut since 1999 and looks forward to the state’s short halibut fishing season, which this year takes place from May 18 through June 13. “You’re not really doing it for the money,” he said. “It’s more of an obsession.” It’s a different experience and a thrilling fishery, Waterman explained. These are huge fish. Living up to 50 years, they can be up to 15 feet long. Full-grown females average 100 to 150 pounds, although individuals weighing 600 to 700 pounds have been landed, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Maine Department of Marine Resources.
The newest vessel in the Maine State Ferry Service’s fleet was launched at Washburn & Doughty’s shipyard in East Boothbay on Friday, April 9. The Richard G. Spear is named for a former, long-time ferry service captain. PHOTO: MICHELE STAPLETON
Some might consider them odd-looking. As a “flatfish,” their bodies are compressed and both eyes are on one side. Their large mouths are armed with sharp, curved teeth. The halibut population is a remnant of what it once was, but strict regulations with gear, size, season, and
catch restrictions allow for a limited fishery. In state waters, fishermen may land 25 halibut during the one-month season. Several types of gear are allowed. Waterman uses bottom longlines equipped with circle hooks continued on page 2
In tough year, Maine seafood landings top $500 million Lobster landings for 2020 just over $400 million
D
espite unprecedented market losses, Maine fishermen earned over a half billion dollars for their catch in 2020. Valued at $516,796,614, the ex-vessel value
of Maine’s commercially harvested marine resources was the ninth highest on record. “Maine fishermen and seafood dealers weathered one of the most
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difficult years in memory, but through the industry was facing a pending hard work and an unwavering dedica- market collapse due to COVID-19, but tion to quality, they were able to once the industry’s response was remarkable. Dealers develagain provide tremenoped new markets and dous value for seafood harvesters adjusted consumers, and a vital At $4.20 per pound, effort based on market economic foundation realities, all of which for Maine’s coastal the boat price was resulted in a good boat communities,” said significantly better price during a year with Gov. Janet Mills. Maine’s lobster than the $3.76 average seemingly insurmountable obstacles.” fishery once again boat price over the At 96 million pounds, accounted for most of the catch declined by Maine’s overall landed past ten years. approximately five value at $405,983,832, percent from 2019 landwhich was only the ings, but according to seventh time in the history of the fishery the landed value landings data, the volume was the ninth highest in the history of the fishery. has exceeded $400 million. “Maine’s lobster industry faced At $4.20 per pound, the boat price tremendous uncertainty in 2020,” was significantly better than the $3.76 said Marine Resources Commissioner average boat price over the past ten years. Patrick Keliher. “At this time last year, continued on page 2