The Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) annual meeting took place at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum and was anything but routine this year.
As industry leaders gathered to discuss the latest challenges and victories in the state’s lobster industry, they also took a moment to recognize the end of an era—Kristan Porter, the longtime MLA board president, and Cutler fisherman, announced his retirement from the role, along with board vice president Craig Stewart from Long Island.
Lawsuits, Offshore Wind, Industry Resilience
Among the key updates shared, the MLA’s acting COO, Patrice McCarron, reaffirmed their stance against offshore wind development, highlighting progress in its legal battle with Monterey Bay Aquarium, and urged lobstermen to stay engaged in policy discussions, especially regarding the controversial gauge increase.
“You may have also heard the good news: the Monterey Bay Aquarium lawsuit will get the green light to go forward,” McCarron said. “We haven’t won the case, but we do now have the green light so that we would be expecting discovery and possibly going to trial in the near future.”
The lawsuit, a defamation case launched by the MLA and the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCFA), challenges the Aquarium’s controversial decision to red-list Maine lobster over concerns about North Atlantic right whale entanglements. The case moving forward signals a significant step in the industry’s ongoing fight for fair representation.
The MLA also addressed other regulatory battles, including a pushback on federal electronic tracking mandates. “We certainly know where people are; we no longer have to guess, but they should not be running 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” McCarron stated. “You guys should not be tracked when using your vessels for personal reasons.”
The Maine lobster fishery continues to grapple with bait shortages and federal policy shifts, but as the meeting made clear, the industry is far from standing still.
Honoring Kristan Porter’s Legacy
While policy and legal battles took center stage at the meeting, another huge event was the transition of the leadership within the MLA. After decades of service, Kristan Porter stepped down as acting board president, leaving big shoes to fill, although some in the room joked- they weren’t so big to fill.
Reflecting on Porter's decision to retire, MLA board member Sonny Beal brought humor and admiration to the moment. “I remember the meeting when he told us he was going to step down,” Beal recalled. “We were all disappointed, and we were all kind of looking at each other like, ‘What the hell are we going to do?’”
While Beal also insisted that no one begged Porter to stay, he acknowledged Porter's immense contributions during his tenure. “Being the president of an organization like this is no easy task. At all hours, on the road, on the phone, going to events, meetings, and talking to guys on the dock. But honestly, who else had done it better than Kristan?”
In recognition of his leadership through some of the toughest years Maine’s lobster fishery has faced, Porter was presented with two awards. The first- dubbed as the “Tulu Titos” award, a nod to his ability to rally after late-night forum antics. The second is a formal “Outstanding Leadership Award” to seriously embrace Porter’s hard work.
The formal award read:
"Presented to Kristan Porter in appreciation of your steadfast leadership during some of the most challenging years the Maine fishery ever faced. Your strategic vision, determination, and dedication to the industry and its people led MLA to historic victories that protect our heritage and economy."
Porter’s legacy is one of fierce advocacy and unwavering dedication. While he may be stepping back from leadership, his influence will undoubtedly remain across all fisheries he touches.
Commemorating Craig Stewart
The board has more than Porter’s shoes to fill, with Craig Stewart stepping down after nearly two decades of participating on the MLA board. Stewart has fished in many fisheries within the state since starting his career at a young age. He has continued to lobster and scallop state-side while recently diving into the federal Northern Gulf of Maine scallop season.
Though Stewart never aspired to take on the role within the board for public speaking, he would take on positions that needed someone with a deep understanding of the industry over his tenure. He worked closely with Porter, and while they both worked steadfastly through turbulent times, he would always keep his head up and be proud to be part of an association that held the fishery together and grew his career.
While the board transitions to different leadership within the MLA, Porter, and Stewart hope that the younger generation of commercial fishermen will get involved in joining boards that are associated with their fisheries; if you’re not at the table speaking your input, then who will?
Members were urged to stay active in policy discussions at the meeting. Whether it’s showing up to zone council meetings, speaking out on legislative changes, or standing firm against misrepresentation of the industry. The message was clear- there’s still work to be done.
“The lobster industry now will decide what resiliency means,” McCarron noted. “So, you’ve got some power. Let’s show up and use it.”
With board members' departures marking the end of an era and a new wave of challenges on the horizon, the MLA annual meeting served as a reflection on past battles and a rallying call for the future.
