"isheries 



A chart of the distribution of fisheries in the vicinity of the Rock- 

 land disposal site is presented in Figure A-5. There are four major 

 fisheries in this area as discussed below: 



1. Shrimp . Before the recent decline in catches (1973-1977) and 

 subsequent closure of the fishery, shrimp were caught by at least one 

 vessel towing at 55-75 meters on a course skirting the western edge of the 

 dump site. This vessel fished throughout the period in which spoil from 

 Rockland was dumped. No decrease in catch was detected, although sediments 

 identifiable as spoil were brought up on the net on several occasions. 



An unusual aspect of the catch in West Penobscot Bay is that in addi- 

 tion to the egg bearing females caught in January-March a population remained 

 in the deeper holes through the summer. This population was mainly northern 

 shrimp ( Pondalus boreal is ), but also included a smaller competing species 

 ( P. montagui ) (G. Stevenson; Rockport, Maine). 



If the shrimp fishery is reopened there will be renewed interest in 

 the muddy bottoms of this area. Larger lobster boats from all the surround- 

 ing ports are potential winter shrimp draggers. 



2. Lobsters and Crabs . The important summer lobster fishery is carried 

 out in shallow water, often less than 20 meters. The nearest shallow water 

 is several miles northeast of the dump site. 



In the fall and spring lobsters are found in deeper water. There is 

 less fishery effort at these times because of the need for special rigging. 



