After the 2012 shrimp season was unfairly taken away from trappers by the ASMFC, Maine shrimp trappers have formed the Maine Shrimp Trapper's Association. The shrimp trap fishery is not only sustainable for itself but it is also a sustainable way for the Maine small boat fishermen to survive the winter. We hope that our collaborative work with scientists, fishermen and officials will show the importance and significance of the trap fishery.
Our soul purpose is to have a united voice in the shrimp fishery. We feel that we have, and have had for generations, an already sustainable fishery by simply using the shrimp trap as a method for taking shrimp from the ocean. There is little to no bycatch.