All fishermen are encouraged to attend a Town Hall with Troy Jackson, candidate for governor, Saturday January 18, at 3 p.m., at the People’s United Methodist Church 13 Chapel Street, South Thomaston. 

Maine’s fishery extends way beyond lobstering. We harvest sea scallops, hard- and soft-shell clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, flounder, cod, haddock, pollock, hake, whiting, monkfish, herring, mackerel, scup, dogfish, tuna, swordfish, eels, elvers, sea urchins, marine worms, seaweed, and more.

The economic importance of this industry is clear: in 2024, the fishery brought well over $700 million to the state’s economy.

We need a Governor who takes seriously the importance of incorporating the voices of all those who make this industry run in state-level decision making around our livelihood, including the selection of the Commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources. This has not been happening under recent governors.

It is time for change. Troy Jackson offers just that through his background as a logger – another heritage industry dependent on a natural resource — and in his strong legislative record demonstrating his commitment to standing up for the working people who are the backbone of Maine’s economy and cultures.

Scientific information often changes and is incomplete without fishermen’s voices. Troy has shown his understanding of the importance of science together with input from fishermen a number of times: For example, he was instrumental in bringing the Lobster Union, building trades and environmental advocates together to keep wind energy out of LMA1; and he vigorously went to bat with NOAA over federal attempts at severe industry restrictions.

As fishermen, we know the challenges we and the fishery face due to changing ocean dynamics. We are also saddled with rising costs of gear and equipment, lotteries, reduced work hours, being told what we can and can’t fish, and strict time limits on when we can catch – this last which raises safety issues as fishermen feel driven to go out on certain days regardless of weather.

These are issues Troy Jackson has lived as a working-class man. He knows what it means to not have a voice. He wants to hear from us, and he is worth hearing from.

It is critical for fishermen to engage in creating the change we need in Augusta. Hope to see you on January 18.

David Reed and Jap Witham live in Bremen