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“It’s Just a Death Sentence.” — Joyce on the Dangers of Ropeless Gear

Jason Joyce, Director of Advocacy for the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association and a lifelong Swans Island fisherman, joins Corenna and David Quirk for a detailed discussion about the challenges facing Maine’s commercial fishing industry.

With more than 40 years on the water, Joyce explains why safety concerns surrounding proposed ropeless fishing gear are at the top of fishermen’s minds. At one point in the conversation, Joyce describes the potential consequences in stark terms, saying “It’s just a death sentence.” He explains that removing traditional end lines from lobster gear could make it impossible to quickly rescue a fisherman who becomes entangled and goes overboard.

Joyce also outlines concerns about the reliability and cost of emerging ropeless technologies, questioning whether federal mandates and subsidies are driving development rather than practical solutions for working fishermen.

The conversation also explores broader issues affecting the industry, including offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine, potential environmental impacts from undersea electrical cables, federal regulations tied to right whale protections, and the economic pressures fishermen are facing today. Joyce also discusses the role of Maine’s congressional delegation, infrastructure challenges affecting island communities, and the realities of fishing life along Maine’s coast.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & The Voice of Maine App).
⬇️ 🎧 Streaming after broadcast on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

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