Sea Grant announces $1.2 million in support of the American Lobster Initiative

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

Lobsters in an orange bucket — Photo: Tim Briggs NHSG

November 3, 2022 News

The National Sea Grant College Program announced $1.2 million in support of Sea Grant’s American Lobster Research Program to continue addressing emergent needs and priorities associated with this important fishery. Pursuant to congressional direction, this year’s funded research projects shift focus on operational needs, specifically related to gear technology research and implementation.

The two extramural research projects selected for funding will enhance research on development and operationalization of gear technologies in the American lobster fishery to better understand and address the opportunities and barriers associated with bringing gear technology to commercial scale in the fishery.

Kevin Staples from the Maine Department of Marine Resources will lead testing and evaluation of various gear modification technologies aboard commercial vessels, thereby producing information on gear system viability, compliance with federal regulations and feasibility of use by fishermen. Federal funding: $750,000
Erin Pelletier from the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation will lead testing of data imaging tools and various ship-to-shore communication modes for providing lobstermen with realtime information that they may use to inform their fishing activities. Federal funding: $404,564

For more information, visit the Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative website.

Read the full story on the National Sea Grant College Program website.