ELLSWORTH, Maine — The largest commercial fishing advocacy group in Maine believes it is time it is released from restrictions imposed upon it by the federal government in 1958.
The consent decree was imposed on the Maine Lobstermen’s Association after the group lost a 1957 antitrust lawsuit that accused it of trying to set the price that lobstermen should get for their catch. Since then, the association has become more involved in management issues such as gear restrictions, fishing practices and resource protection but has steered clear of any discussion or activity that addresses the issue of how much money fishermen should be paid for their lobster.
The association is petitioning the Department of Justice to be released from the consent decree.
According to association officials, the imposed restrictions prevent the group from reorganizing itself as a nonprofit corporation and could be used to prevent the group from participating in fishery management talks and activities that do not involve price discussions.
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