Maine's commercial fishing community gathered in coastal towns across the state on July 21 to honor fishermen lost at sea during the first Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day officially recognized under state law.
Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Commissioner Carl Wilson joined fishing families, industry members and community leaders at Fishermen's Memorial Park in Boothbay Harbor, where dozens gathered for a ceremony coordinated by Green and White Hope, Inc. Similar events, including wreath layings, took place in Lubec and other coastal communities.
The remembrance day became official earlier this year after Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation establishing July 21 as Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day, making Maine one of the first states in the nation to formally recognize the sacrifices of commercial fishermen who have died on the water.
"Every commercial fisherman in Maine risks their safety to make a living on the water for themselves and for their families, contributing at the same time to one of our most iconic industries and to our way of life," Mills said in a statement. "It was my honor to sign legislation establishing Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day this March ... to remember the fishermen we have lost, honor their lives and offer our comfort to their loved ones, and recommit to doing everything we can to keep our fishing community safe from harm."
During his remarks, Wilson reflected on the significance of the day becoming law and recognized the lawmakers who sponsored the legislation.
"Today we once again gather to pay tribute to Maine fishermen for whom the sea was a way of life, but who tragically did not make it home," Wilson said.
He also acknowledged four Maine fishermen who lost their lives over the past year: Freeman Short of Presque Isle, one of seven crew members lost when the F/V Lily Jean sank off Gloucester in January; Thomas West of Steuben, who died while working aboard his lobster boat Aces and Eights in April; Stephen Johnson of Machias, who died after a wave capsized his boat while harvesting periwinkles in May; and Marshal Ames, who died after falling overboard while crewing on a fishing vessel in June.
"The tragic loss of these men underscores the dangers the entire Maine fishing community faces every day on the water," Wilson said, noting that commercial fishing remains one of the nation's most hazardous occupations.
Wilson also highlighted the Department of Marine Resources' ongoing commitment to improving safety through the Maine Marine Patrol, the Commercial Fishing Safety Council and partnerships with organizations including Green and White Hope, the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, the Maine Lobstermen's Association, the New England Fishermen's Stewardship Association, the Island Institute and others.
"While July 21st will forever be a day of solemn reflection, I am grateful for the groundswell of support that has brought so many here today in dedication to a safe future for Maine fishermen," Wilson said. "May those we have lost rest in peace. And may those who continue to fish return home safely to the people who await them with love."
