Lobstermen mull work stoppage

Lobstermen along Maine's coast are talking about a possible work stoppage to start as soon as next week. Frustrated with prices that continue to sink because of weak demand, lobstermen said they might stay on shore temporarily in an effort to reduce supplies and make their catches more valuable.

Lobstermen have threatened such shutdowns, known as tie-ups, in the past, and some have organized small-scale tie-ups in recent years to protest low prices or reduce excess supplies. But the fishermen also are notoriously independent, and there has not been a large-scale tie-up in decades.

Click here to read the full report in the Portland Press Herald.

Landing School offers financial aid for displaced workers

The Landing School received a private grant to provide financial aid for displaced workers who want to retrain for a career in the marine industry by enrolling in the 2009-10 school year.

"We are very grateful to have received this grant money earmarked for displaced workers," said Barry Acker, president of The Landing School, in a statement. "As the economic climate improves, the marine industry will be in need of well-trained tradespeople to support its growth. The financial aid we can provide to eligible people now will foster experienced, productive workers ready to contribute to the industry next June."

Located in Arundel, Maine, The Landing School offers five 10-month education and training programs: the Small Boats Program, the Cruising Boats Program, the Composites Program, the Marine Systems Program, and the Yacht Design Program.

Prospective students should contact an admissions officer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (207) 985-7976 as soon as possible to inquire about availability of programs. The financial aid is distributed based on need, eligibility and availability of funds.

Click here for the full release.

Newsman, sailor remembered by ocean group

Legendary CBS News anchorman Walter Cronkite died Friday at the age of 92 after a long illness. A lifelong sailor (seen here skippering his sailboat Wintje in August 2006, near his home on Martha’s Vineyard), Cronkite was also a member of The International Seakeepers Society, an organization dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans.

The group published the following rememberance for the man:

Dear Members and Friends,

It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of our 2006 Seakeeper Award recipient, Walter Cronkite. He lived a beautiful life and was always in touch with the sea around us.

The International Seakeepers Society will always remember and be grateful for his enduring and now eternal support.

With sadness and love,

Michael Moore

Chair and on behalf of the Board of the International Seakeepers Society

International SeaKeepers Society. http://www.seakeepers.org/

NMMA submits formal comments on ethanol waiver

Today is the last day of the comment period on the petition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting a waiver to allow ethanol gasoline blends of up to 15 percent.

The comment period was slated to end May 21, but the additional time allowed boaters, marine industry employees and other concerned parties more time to submit comments to the EPA.

Growth Energy, a pro-ethanol lobby, is the group that requested the waiver.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association, and other industry stakeholders, have called for a science-based review of the request by the EPA in order to ensure that increased levels of ethanol would not harm boats, marine engines and other affected equipment.

The EPA has said it is required to make a decision by Dec. 1.

Click here to submit a comment to the EPA.

Click here for the NMMA’s press release.