January 28, 2020 — Maine’s fishing industry is mourning the loss of captain Arnold Nickerson IV of Arundel and his crew Christopher Pinkham of Boothbay Harbor. The two died at sea off Portland while fishing aboard Nickerson’s lobster boat, the Hayley Ann, on Jan. 23.
Nickerson was known by most as Joe.
“I’ve known Joe for years, and he has been an incredibly valuable contributor for two terms on the [Department of Marine Resources] Advisory Council, especially with regard to the groundfish and elver fisheries with which he was most directly involved,” the department’s commissioner, Patrick Keliher, said in a news release.
“I chose him to serve on the council because of his perspective as an experienced, successful fisherman and his calm and constructive approach to problem solving,” Keliher continued. “He was committed to the proper management of Maine’s marine resources, and was willing to give his time to help his fellow fishermen. I always valued his insights and ideas. He was a first-rate fisherman, and an excellent representative for Maine’s fishing community.”
“It is hard to state the depth of the profound sadness that we have all felt at the news that Joe Nickerson and his crew Chris Pinkham perished at sea while out fishing,” Ben Martens, the association’s executive director, said in a press statement.