FRIENDS OF FORT TRUMBULL WELCOME LOCAL LOBSTERMAN       

 

 

There is nothing more New England than the typical lobster dinner of summertime. On Thursday, July 28, 2011, the Friends of Fort Trumbull will welcome Mike Theiler, a local Lobsterman, who will speak on "The Experiences of a New London Lobsterman". The program will begin at 7 p.m. with a short video which appeared on Chow Time videos after columnist Robin Benzie spent a day aboard Theiler's boat to learn how those lobsters successfully arrive on our dinner plates.

 

Following the video, Mr. Theiler will discuss some of the obstacles facing Connecticut lobstermen.  Ever since the lobster die off in the late 1990's, this dwindling breed of mariners has faced the results of climate change, increases in the minimum size they can legally catch, rising fuel prices, falling wholesale prices, and increased competition from Cape Cod and Canadian lobsterman.  Right now, there are only about 130 commercial lobstermen left in Connecticut.  What does the future hold?  Can this decline be reversed?  These are some of the areas that Mr. Theiler will explore.

 

Mr. Theiler has served four terms as Vice-President of the CT Commercial Lobstermen's Association. He is also the co-chair of the CT Seafood Council and an advisor to UCONN's College of Natural Resources.  He is presently an industry representative on the Area 6 Lobster Conservation Management Team.  His boat, the "Jeanette T" is docked by the Winthrop Cove "footbridge" at the north end of Ferry St. 

 

The meeting will take place at the Fort Trumbull Conference Center, 90 Walbach Street, New London, CT, beginning promptly at 7 p.m.  The public is welcome to attend this free presentation which is hosted by the Friends of Fort Trumbull. Free Parking is available just inside the main gate.  More information about the Fort is available at: www.fortfriends.org