ROCKPORT — The 35th annual Maine Fishermen’s Forum opens its doors at the Samoset Resort in Rockport this afternoon with the fishing industry in turmoil over ecological and economic conditions and regulatory changes that could affect virtually everyone in the business.

Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that 2010 could be among the worst years for red tide ever. That news came just days after Bumble Bee Foods announced that in April it would close the Stinson Seafood sardine cannery in Prospect Harbor — eliminating some 128 jobs and an important source of herring for many Downeast lobstermen who were already contemplating a likely bait shortage this season. Within the past few months, the New England Fishery Management Council and NOAA have adopted major changes to fishery management plans for groundfish, scallops and herring.

For the next thee days, members of the Maine fishing industry will have the chance to discuss these issues and others with state and federal fisheries regulators, scientists and among themselves. The forum opens at 1 p.m. with two seminars. One is an intensive and timely discussion of the issues confronting Maine’s shellfish industry. The other brings Maine lobstermen together with colleagues from Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

For more maritime news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.

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