I. Introductions/Anti-Trust
Chairman Donovan called the meeting to order at 9:30 A.M., and welcomed another
record low attendance of 16 people to the 32nd meeting of Project S.H.A.R.E.
He called for a round of introductions and indicated meeting conflicts have
again occurred this time of the year. Gary asked Bob Chandler to read the Anti-Trust
guidelines that are to be honored at this meeting.
II. Past Minutes
Executive Secretary, Matt Scott, asked the membership if there were any errors
or omissions to the June 3, 1999, minutes. Hearing none, the minutes were approved
as written.
III. Treasurers Report
Gary Donovan gave a summary of the Treasurers report prepared by Ed Hennessey
covering a period from June 2, 1999 through August 2, 1999. The beginning balance
for the period was $66,324.00, with debits of $24,216.42 and credits of $1,954.55,
leaving an ending balance of $44,062.13. The Treasurers report was accepted
and approved, as submitted (copy enclosed).
IV. Funding Initiatives
Matt Scott reported that there is no new funding initiative to report on this
month. The NFWF grant has supported all project proposals for the downeast area.
Gary called on Dave Garcelon regarding WHIP funds and their status.
V. Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan
Henry Nichols, Coordinator for the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Plan (ASCP)
was unable to make the meeting and asked Matt Scott to convey positive comments
that the transition from the ASA to the ASC is ongoing and soon the position
of Executive Director will be announced. Currently things are in limbo but we
will see things happening very soon, as the process is slow. A lengthy discussion
ensued over the organization and structure of the new ASC. Jerry Marancik gave
a brief statement on the current status review of listing. The USF&WS and
NMFS will come to Project SHARE in the future, hopefully to make a presentation
of all the facts concerning listing of Atlantic salmon once the decision is
made.
VI. Steering Committee
Gary Donovan briefed the membership on the Steering Committee meeting held;
July 20, 1999, in Bangor. The Third Machias lake dam proposal by the Grand Lake
Stream Guides Association was forwarded to the Research and Management Committees
for review and a recommendation to the Steering Committee for a final decision.
There is no potential value of building the dam for the Atlantic salmon recovery
effort. Motion was made, seconded and approved for Gary to send the letter from
SHARE stating that we cannot support the project.
Gary also mentioned the fact that SHARE will be holding its October meeting
in Columbia Falls for recognition of the corporate donors to the WSRC and a
field trip to the weir is being arranged with the ASC staff. Discussion of the
SPO contract that has now been transferred over to the ASC means a letter from
SHARE to the new Commission stating SHAREs interest in continuing a good relationship,
is now in order. Copies of the SHARE brochure have been distributed for comment.
Gary reported on the ad hoc committee in search of funding, a business plan
and the hiring of a staff person to replace Matts termination. It will require
necessary funding to carry on the functions of Project SHARE into the next millennium.
VII. Executive Secretary Report
Matt gave a brief report of his attendance at various meetings, Downeast Augusta
and other locations, on workshops, councils and Committees. Matt would like
to see the Management and Research Committees combined or revised. Bob Chase
has expressed an interest in the Research Committee activities. Matt also gave
a briefing on his health and he will continue with SHARE through October 2000.
Jerry Marancik stated that the TAC would hold a special meeting on fish health
issues September 10, 1999, in Sidney.
VIII. Standing Committee Reports
Education Committee: Mike Hill summarized his activities under the National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) contract. He also summarized the turnout for
the Dennys river watershed festival. Mike reported on the use of Downeast Correctional
Facility inmates to help in removing beaver dams in cooperation with ASA and
IF&W staff. Mike is planning a meeting of the educational and watershed
interests group in Machias, late September. There was a very lengthy discussion
of beaver dam removals and problems associated with beaver management from fur
prices to live trapping and transfer of nuisance beaver.
Management Committee and Research Committees: Bud Brown and Gergg Horton were
not present and therefore no report. We need to have meetings just to talk about
issues if the committees are to contine.
IX. Project Updates
Watershed Council Representative, Watershed Councils Coordinator and DSF/WSRC/PRH
reports: Dwayne Shaw handled all of the above and the various meetings he
has been involved with. He discussed Melissa Evers water quality sampling program,
the 319 project and the new web site. You may access this site by typing; www.mainesalmonrivers.org.
Questions on irrigation were raised as well as associated water temperatures
with the low flows. Kisok locations and numbers were discussed and Council coalition
meetings Dwayne has attend. Dwayne had a long presentation, as Kim Erskin was
not present. A planning retreat for the Councils is being planned for late September.
Rearing of Atlantic salmon at the WSRC is not possible right now as the fish
health issue prevents such.
Downeast RC&D Vaughn Raser of the Penobscot County RC&D is covering the Cherryfield office until a new person is selected for the vacant position by the end on September. Matt Mattia and Dave Garcelon announced various workshops being conducted downeast that will benefit watershed councils and volunteers. Janet Henry announced the final development of the watershed council brochures with final changes and how they will be used. She has done a great job in putting these together. Development of the newsletter was discussed along with the watershed council management guide. Several drafts and reorganization have been done with a goal of completion in late September. Matt asked for SHARE input on its proposed brochure via discussions around the room. He asked members to mail any marked-up copies back to him with some suggestions such as the WSRC and Watershed Councils. The purpose of the SHARE brochure is not to recruit members but to be informational and educational about SHARE. Mike Hill offered ideas from the Education Committee.
X. Congressional Delegation
No report.
XI. Legislators
No report.
XII. Program
Brian Leavitt of Atlantic salmon Maine gave us a briefing before Dr. Danner
arrived. He discussed briefly with us ASM views on ISA and SSSV as they are
looking into expansion of their pennculture sites. ASM has yet to have any disease
problems at their sites and it is probably due to low density of fish being
cultured in sea cages. The seal problem is not a big issue now and noise devices
are controlling birds. Questions ensued with discussion prior to Dr. Danners
arrival. Brian does feel that farm fish are easy to tell from wild fish. Brian
did a very good job of informing the members.
Matt introduced Dr. Danner as the new Fish Pathologist for the Department of IF&W. Dr. Danner circulated a CV and showed us a video on fish health, which was very good. He then emphasized the ISA and SSSV pathogens. ISA is essentially a "fish-flu" as it is in the flu family of viruses. This causes agglutination of red blood cells. He feels that the salmon growers have been very responsible in their hygienic activity. He expects it to hit the US late this fall. SSSV is unclear as to how this arrived, in Maine. Most feel it has been around and now rediscovered. This is a retrovirus and unique like aids. It may take years before it shows any signs of manifestation. He also emphasized that the virus is host specific. Testing for the virus is a complicated process and he explained that in detail. Dr. Danner did a great job educating us!
XIII. Other Business:
No other business was presented.
Meeting adjourned at 12:15 P.M. The next Project S.H.A.R.E. meeting is scheduled for October 7, 1999. Remember it is in Columbia Falls.