I. Introductions/Anti-Trust
Chairman Chandler called the meeting to order at 9:42 A.M. and welcomed the 17 people in attendance to the 50th meeting of Project S.H.A.R.E. After the general introductions, Chairman Chandler read the Anti-Trust guidelines.

II. Past Minutes
Chairman Chandler asked the membership for any errors or omissions to the June 13th, 2002 minutes that were mailed. None noted there was a motion by Jerry Marancik, second by Geneva Duncan to accept the minutes as distributed. The minutes were approved.

III. Treasurers Report
Steven Koenig gave a summary of the Treasurers Report. Motion to accept by Bob Hinton, second by George Bunker. Approved.

IV. Funding Initiatives
Steven Koenig provided an overview of grants and contracts in place and current funding initiatives. There were no questions.

V. Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan/ASC
Greg Mackey reported on recent activities of the Atlantic Salmon Commission.

• YOY from last years natural spawning were found during electro fishing surveys
  
• Field survey crews are measuring embededness at 16 sites on the Dennys and Crebo Crossing on the Pleasant
  
• 6 adults have returned to the Narraguagus, 0 to the Pleasant, and 2 grilts to the Dennys Dan

Kircheis provided an update on the Federal Recovery Plan. The draft will soon be released for Agency review. It should be available publicly thereafter. Final draft is scheduled for year-end. Copies of drafts can be obtained from Mark Minton.Fred Kircheis will be retiring as of December 1st. The next Executive Director will be appointed by the new Governor.

VI. Steering Committee Report
The minutes of the May Steering Committee were reviewed. Steven Koenig provided an overview of key items. A copy of the GIS Data Sharing Policy was distributed. A draft copy of the Restoration Project Prioritization Worksheet was distributed.

VII. Education Committee Report
Peter Steenstra - There will be an international summit the fall of 2003 focusing on the status of the Gulf of Maine. The education committee is hosting a regional conference this fall in preparation for the international summit. A survey inquiring as to the status of local watersheds is being prepared. The education committee has funds available to purchase reference material. Watershed Councils should contact Peter if they have any suggestions for a reference library.The research committee is planning a public forum on Velpar this September. Location will be the UMM campus.There will be a dedication ceremony for the Craig Brook National Hatchery September 28th.

VIII. Project Updates
Cove Brook

• NFWF grant for land acquisition/easement activities has been approved.
  
• A grant has been submitted to SPO for assessment.
  
• 12 members actively attend meetings.
  
• The council has adopted a neutral position on the West Winterport dam.

Dennys

• 3 NPS sites have been completed
  
• 2nd year of water quality monitoring has begun. Preparing to remove the beaver dams

Machias/E. Machias

• Restoration projects include the bridge at Munson Rips and NPS remediation between Munson Rips and Rt 9 have been funded.
  
• The council will have an educational booth at the Machias Blueberry Festival
  
• August 21st the educational trail will be dedicated at the Pottle Tree Farm in Perry
  
• The Governor had asked for alternative site analysis for the E. Machias Weir. A report has been sent to the Governor.

Narraguagus

• Geneva Duncan will manage NPS restoration activities on the Small property
  
• NPS restoration in process include the mill site and a bridge over the Little Narraguagus
  

Pleasant

• The pleasant hosted a meeting with several trusts interested in land acquisition in the area.

DRC

• No report

DSF/WSRC

• No report

IX. Program
Dr. Jim Gilbert was the guest speaker. He has been conducting field research on seal populations in Maine since 1981. There are 4 species found in Maine: harbor, gray, harp, and hooded. Harbor seals are common in the US and the Gulf of Maine. Harp seals are common in Canada. They are blamed for predation on cod and Atlantic salmon. Gray seals are increasing in numbers. Approximately 200 pairs winter in Maine (Penobscot Bay). All pupping of Harbor seals occurs in Maine. Counts have been conducted since 1981: 10,000 in 1981m 38,000 in 2001. Principle increase is in Penobscott Bay. Corrected counts estimate an actual population of 99,000 in 2001. Seals are not residents. They undergo vast migrations. Harbor seals migrate to North Carolina; Hooded seals migrate to Porto Rico.Food habits are studied by examining otolyths and stomach contents. A literature review found only 5 instances of Atlantic salmon predation in several thousand examinations. Seals are not dependent on salmon for their food supply. They are opportunistic feeders and eat a wide variety of fishes. They are known to cause problems associated with aquaculture pens sites. Their role as a predator of wild Atlantic salmon is unknown. Predator control is difficult and controversial. Predation is not related to the size of the seal population. Pups learn to feed on their own. Salmon predation is related to a few seals learning to catch salmon. Dr. Gilbert suggests controlling the environment to reduce or remove the opportunity to feed on salmon is the recommended means of reducing predation.

X. Other Business

XI. Meeting adjourned at 11:55 P.M. Motion by Bob Hinton, Second by Gary Donovan. Approved. The next meeting is October 10, 2002 at the Hillgrove Community Center.

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