MLA ANNUAL WEEKEND
SEMINAR SCHEDULE – 2011
Please note: Room locations for the seminars
Will be posted at the event
FRIDAY SEMINARS – JANUARY 21st
9:30 AM
THE COMMONWEALTH QUALITY PROGRAM
Commonwealth Quality, a brand designed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, serves to identify locally sourced products that are grown, harvested and processed right here in Massachusetts using practices that are safe, sustainable and don’t harm the environment.
This seminar will be conducted by Michael Botelho, its requirements and how you can sign up. Mike Botelho is from the Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources.
9:30 AM
STATUS OF DMF’S LOBSTER STATISTICS
(The Stats are in)
DMF began a new universal trip level reporting format in 2010. This seminar will update fishermen about the results of trip-level reporting and how it compares to the old methods. This new program is a work in progress and DMF and fishermen can exchange ideas about ways to improve it.
This seminar will be conducted by DMF’s Dep. Director Dan McKiernan and Story Reed DMF’s statistics program analysts.
FRIDAY SEMINARS – JANUARY 21st
11:00 AM
LOBSTER PROCESSING
Lobster processing has become a major factor in the movement of our lobsters in the world market. How does it work and how does the processed product fit into the market.
This seminar will be hosted by Dr. Bob Bayer from the Lobster Institute and will have a representative from Paturel of Canada one of the biggest processors of our lobsters.
11:00 AM
THE SBA ADVANTAGE
This seminar is designed to help everyone understand the various SBA programs and services that are available to those who want to start, maintain or expand their fishing business.
The seminar will be conducted by the Mass Small Business Development Center and Score Counselors.
1:00 PM
THE TAA PROGRAM
(USDA TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE)
This is the Introduction/orientation meeting that is required as the first step for those who did sign up by the December 23rd deadline. This is not one of the workshops that will be held at later dates and locations. Madeline Hall-Arber, MIT Sea Grant, will give you an overview of TAA and information necessary for you to complete the 12 hours of training required to qualify for payment. Remember that this initial introduction/orientation meeting must be completed by March 23, 2011.
This is the first of two being held at the Annual Weekend (See Saturday Seminars) you only need to attend one.
The USDA will also be holding other Introduction/Orientation meetings at other locations and dates to be announced. We just, are the first!
Pre-registration in required – you can do this by calling the MLA office at 781-545-6984.
FRIDAY SEMINARS – JANUARY 21st
1:00PM
COMMON SENSE FISHING PRACTICES TO PROTECT WHALES
This will be a discussion with lobstermen to identify current fishing methods which pose the least risk to whales.
The seminar will be conducted by Heather Tetreault from the Maine Lobstermen’s Association.
2:45 PM
THE FATE AND IMPACTS OF LOST LOBSTER GEAR
In this three-part seminar, DMF will discuss first ongoing problems with damaged traps and pieces that wash ashore leaving the public unsure about whose responsibility it is to remove the debris. In the second part, preliminary results and DMF’s “ghost” lobster trap fishing project will be revealed. Additionally, DMF’s Bob Glenn will have some findings from some other biological surveys being conducted.
This seminar will be conducted by DMF’s Dep. Director Dan McKiernan and Bob Glenn DMF Senior Lobster Biologist.
2:45 PM
QUALITY HEALTH CARE COVERAGE FOR
FISHING FAMILIES
Health care reform in Massachusetts created a number of attractive and affordable coverage options. Learn about these available health coverage options and how to enroll.
This seminar will be conducted by David Bergeron and Carlos Solis from the Fishing Partnership Health Plan.
SATURDAY SEMINARS- JANUARY 22nd
9:00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
CRAFT SEMINAR
Hosted by: Nancy Reid and Conducted by: Cathy Roop of the Pottery Playce.
Come join in on some creative fun. The Pottery Playce will be bringing Piggy Banks for you to paint and personalize this year. They will have a host of colors to choose from to decorate your pig. Keep your Piggy Bank or give it as a gift to someone special. Painting pottery is good therapy as well good conversation. There will be supplies for 25 people.
9:30 AM
UPDATE ON THE SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND LOBSTER FISHERY
STOCK STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
This seminar will describe the ongoing deliberation of the ASMFC to conserve and rebuild the Southern New England lobster stock. It will be conducted by DMF’s Dept. Director Dan McKiernan and Bob Glenn, DMF’s Senior Lobster Biologist.
10:45
COOKING DEMONSTRATION
Come and see and taste what Master Chef Doug Casavant will create for you this year. Chef Casavant has been creating dishes that please for many years. This year he will create a seafood dish that is sure to please the taste buds. You can’t miss this so get there early and get ready to be dazzled.
11:00 AM
USCG- NEW MARINE SAFTEY LAW
This seminar will be looking at the new-just passed, federal law on Marine Safety. What’s in it and what it will mean eventually for lobster fishermen. The discussion will also be open for any other marine safety issues.
The seminar will be conducted by Ted Harrington from the USCG District One MSO office.
SATURDAY SEMINARS- JANUARY 22nd
12:00 – 12:45
SILENT AUCTION
This was held last year and was a great success. Don’t miss your chance to bid on some great items to help the scholarship fund.
The silent auction will be held in the foyer (same location as last year) and there will only be 3/4 hour to get your bids in!!!
1:00 PM
THE TAA PROGRAM
(USDA TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE)
This is the Introduction/orientation meeting that is required as the first step for those who did sign up by the December 23rd deadline. This is not one of the workshops that will be held at later dates and locations. Madeline Hall-Arber, MIT Sea Grant, will give you an overview of TAA and information necessary for you to complete the 12 hours of training required to qualify for payment. Remember that this initial introduction/orientation meeting must be completed by March 23, 2011.
The USDA will also be holding other Introduction/Orientation meetings at other locations and dates to be announced. We just, are the first!
Pre-registration in required – you can do this by calling the MLA office at 781-545-6984.
2:00 PM
BINGO
Bingo has always been a great time! Come by and have some fun and laughs with friends. Who knows you just might get the chance to yell “B-I-N-G-O”! Space is limited so make sure you get there early enough to have a seta. 1, 2, 3, get you BINGO on!!!!
2:45 PM
DECOMPRESS IN THE BAIT SHED
Back yet again by popular demand. Commercial Fisheries News columnist Brian Robbins invites one and all to join him for a session of tunes and story telling- just like the good ‘ole days – take a break – have some grins – and bring a tale of your own.