You can’t fish for lobsters without bait, and a discussion of possible restrictions on the supply of herring at last year’s Maine Fishermen’s Forum had the attention of Islesford lobstermen Bruce Fernald (left) and Jack Merrill (center).—FILE PHOTO

ELLSWORTH — Marking its 33rd year of existence, the Maine Fishermen’s Forum gets under way this year at the Samoset Resort in Rockport on Thursday, Feb. 28. The three-day event brings together fishermen, fisheries scientists and state and federal fisheries bureaucrats and gives them the opportunity to discuss the complex issues that confront them on the water, in the laboratories, and in Washington and Augusta. The forum also features a trade show at which a hundred or more exhibitors display goods and services tailored to the needs of the commercial fishing industry.

Although the schedule is far from set, this year’s forum will offer a variety of seminars covering issues ranging from the conflict between endangered whales and fishing gear, and the requirements lobstermen now face to ease the problem, to proposed new restrictions on groundfishing, the Zone C lobster hatchery, shrinking access to the water for commercial uses and the availability and uses of the mountains of data collected by fisheries scientists and bureaucrats.

In addition to educational opportunities, the forum includes a number of popular social functions. On Thursday, Feb. 28, several members of the fishing industry will sponsor an opening night seafood reception. On Friday, a fish dinner will precede a benefit auction to raise money for the forum college scholarship fund. Saturday night will feature a steak and crab dinner, followed by dancing to the music of the band 4370.

For information, and to see the latest seminar schedule, contact Chiloa Young, the forum coordinator, by telephone at (207) 442-7700, by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit the forum Web site at mainefishermensforum.org.