Saving Seafood

Cape Coast Guard Crew Rescues Maine Fishermen

August 17, 2016 — SOUTHWEST HARBOR — The Coast Guard rescued four fishermen Wednesday morning after the fishing vessel Lydia & Maya started taking on water about 40 miles south of Southwest Harbor.

According to a news release, the Coast Guard received a broken transmission at about midnight from a crew member aboard the vessel saying it was taking on water. A distress signal soon followed, indicating the crew was in the water.

Coast Guard Station Southwest Harbor launched a boat crew, and Air Station Cape Cod launched a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, according to the release.

The helicopter arrived on the scene at about 2 a.m. to find four people in a life raft shooting off flares and using a signal light. The helicopter lowered a rescue swimmer, and the fishermen were hoisted into the helicopter.

Read the full story at the Portland Press Herald

Andy Mays Honored with Maine DMR Award of Excellence

March 14, 2016 — The following was released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources:

Andy Mays a scalloper and lobster fisherman from Southwest Harbor has received the first annual Maine Department of Marine Resources Award of Excellence. The award, presented by DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher during the Fishermen’s Forum in Rockport, recognizes industry members who participate with the Department to ensure a sustainable future for Maine’s commercial fisheries. Mays was honored for his long-term service on DMR advisory councils.

“Through his work on DMR advisory councils over the years, Andy has set an exemplary standard of engagement and active participation for industry. As Commissioner I have come to rely on Andy for his informed, colorfully blunt and straightforward opinions and ideas. His advice and input is always a welcome and valuable contribution to the fisheries management process. There is no one more deserving of this first annual award.”

MHP_3113 Andy Mays DMR Award

(Caption: Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher presents Andy Mays of Southwest Harbor with the first annual Award of Excellence. Photo courtesy of Mark Russell Photography)