This one could be a huge negative impact on many of us, depending on how a state defines "Essential Services" in regards to the fishing industries. Maine is not "Sheltering In Place, yet; the only businesses up here that are currently closed by law are dine-in restaurant/bars and schools. Being an "Outdoor Lifestyle State" the government is pushing getting outdoors with appropriate "Social Distancing". AAMOF they're allowing and encouraging people to fish through April w/o fresh water licenses or salt water registry.
Since Maine's commercial fishery is a key part of the economic engine, it would almost be a certainty that all marine-related businesses would be deemed "essential", which is a good thing since my boat is at the yard getting her bottom painted. Once she's painted it's Olley Olley Oxen Free, ramps don't have any barriers, backyard dock in place, and I routinely hump gas down to the boat in 6 gallon containers, so any definition of "Shelter In Place" that shuts down anything having to do with fishing, e.g. Marinas, Gas Docks, Tackle Shops (bought all critical supplies back in early Feb and can dig my own bait if needed), etc. is a Shakspeareian "Much Ado About Nothing" event for me personally, but I do worry and feel sorry for my LI colleagues.
One commercial fishing COVID-19 impact afoot is the minimum 2 week delay for the opening of the Elver Season, which was supposed to begin this Sunday. The delay is due to the fishery gets a bit crowded and social distancing isn't an option. In previous years this would have been no big deal in that the fishing stunk, but this year with the wimpy winter they may be missing out on some of the best fishing which is a win for the eels!!
Since Maine's commercial fishery is a key part of the economic engine, it would almost be a certainty that all marine-related businesses would be deemed "essential", which is a good thing since my boat is at the yard getting her bottom painted. Once she's painted it's Olley Olley Oxen Free, ramps don't have any barriers, backyard dock in place, and I routinely hump gas down to the boat in 6 gallon containers, so any definition of "Shelter In Place" that shuts down anything having to do with fishing, e.g. Marinas, Gas Docks, Tackle Shops (bought all critical supplies back in early Feb and can dig my own bait if needed), etc. is a Shakspeareian "Much Ado About Nothing" event for me personally, but I do worry and feel sorry for my LI colleagues.
One commercial fishing COVID-19 impact afoot is the minimum 2 week delay for the opening of the Elver Season, which was supposed to begin this Sunday. The delay is due to the fishery gets a bit crowded and social distancing isn't an option. In previous years this would have been no big deal in that the fishing stunk, but this year with the wimpy winter they may be missing out on some of the best fishing which is a win for the eels!!
