Maine Lobster Boats Surround Research Vessel in Protest

According to News Center Maine, dozens of Maine lobster fishermen surrounded a research vessel of the coast of Monhegan Island on Sunday in protest of a proposed floating wind turbine site.

From what we've seen in several photos on Facebook, the research vessel 'Go Liberty' was in the area of a proposed floating wind turbine. The turbine project, proposed by New England Aqua Ventus, would require an underwater cable to send the power from the turbine to shore. That, says lobstermen, would harm the lobster industry and other aquatic wildlife in the process.

A spokesman for New England Aqua Ventus said that the research vessel 'Go Liberty' was 'harassed' by several fishing boats while it was attempting to map a route for the power cable from Monhegan to the Damariscotta River.

According to News Center there is debate over what exactly happened on Sunday. Lobstermen say they were attempting to get their traps out of the way before the research vessel came through while New England Aqua Ventus officials say fishermen were deliberately placing traps in the way of the vessel.

Maine Marine Patrol was called in just after 6 o'clock Sunday evening but have yet to release a detailed statement on the situation.

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