How great was our November 14th meeting? Let me count the ways...

First of all, we had a great turnout. Nearly 30 Lions were on-hand, making it our best-attended meeting so far this season. The crowd included several faces we don't see too often, and we hope to keep bringing people back.

Second, there was the great food, as Chef Amy's menu continues to astound. This week's menu featured meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy to die for, and dessert of apple and rhubarb pies. And let's not forget the appetizers: crab cakes, shrimp, and pigs in a blanket. (Hmm, one of these things is not like the other...)

Third, we had a great guest speaker in the form of Carl Wilson, head lobster biologist at the Maine Department of Marine Resources Lobster Research, Monitoring, and Assessment Program here in Boothbay Harbor. Carl spoke to us about lobster population trends and both the challenges and opportunities the lobster industry could face in the near future.

Lobster fishing is one of Maine's most important industries, worth $1 billion to the state economy in 2004. There are currently 7,000 license-holding lobster fishermen, and 3.4 million traps up and down the Maine coast. Amidst all of that, the Boothbay region has one of the highest densities of lobster traps in the world -- a whopping 1,000 traps per square kilometer.

The estimated annual lobster landings in the state peaked at nearly 100 million pounds a few years ago, and are currently on the decline. The industry faces pressure as the expectations of higher catches still remain. Meanwhile, costs and expenses have soared, making it harder and harder for lobster fishermen to make a decent profit.

Currently, lobster represents 78 percent of the value of Maine's marine resources. Wilson reported that other marine resources -- such as shrimp, Atlantic salmon and soft clam -- might each make up just one to five percent of the state's marine value. This means that if the lobster disappears, there are no other species for Maine's fishing industry to turn to.

Wilson also reported on an experiment he conducted off of Monhegan Island, where lobster fishing has long been relegated to six months out of the year. In a controlled experiment, working with lobster fishermen, they were able to increase the number of lobster caught per trap by decreasing their total number of traps. The experiment showed that it could be possible for fishermen to maintain their total catch and increase profits by using fewer traps. In part as a result of this study, and armed with the knowledge that there were lobsters around the island in the early Fall, Monhegan fishermen went to the legislature to change their season. This year they opened their lobster season two months early, while cutting their number of traps in half. Early results are encouraging, said Wilson.

Our thanks to Carl Wilson for an informative and stimulating presentation.

In other news, Lion Pete Johnson reported that the November 1st blood drive was a great success, with 68 registered donors and quite a few walk-ins. The Red Cross handled the phone calls itself this time around, and helped to bring out donors in droves. Volunteers helping with check-in and snack service included Lions Pete, Sheryl Frydrych, John Platt and Norman Irish. Thanks to all who gave. Look for the next blood drive in a few months.

Speaking of Sheryl Frydrych, she reported that Lions mints are now available in three additional stores around the Boothbay area, with more on the way. Make sure to pick some up while you're out and about. You'll help support our charitable activities while making sure you have minty fresh breath.

Looking ahead, King Lion Tom Nickerson reported that our annual Super Bowl energy raffle has an additional prize this year: two cords of firewood, donated by Lion Frank Luke. Raffle tickets will go on sale soon, so check this column for updates.

Fines this meeting went to Alan and Glenn Tilton for Seahawk touchdowns, Frank Luke for speaking out of turn, and Bruce MacDonald for talking politics. The fines were supplemented by several thankful-dollar donations in honor of Thanksgiving.

There was no winner for this week's 50/50, but Lion Gary Blake took home the cheer raffle. In our annual Thanksgiving turkey drawing, Celeste Brown took home the small turkey, while Rendall Hyson landed the smaller turkey.

Did you know that the Boothbay Region Lions Club has a Web site? Well, we didn't until a few weeks ago. Check out our brand-new site at www.lionwap.org/boothbay , where you can find full information about our upcoming meetings, annual activities, giving programs and more.

Speaking of upcoming activities, our next meeting will be held Wednesday, November 28, when our guest speaker will be Sarah Sherman McGrail, Operations Director for the Seasons of Change Community Center in Edgecomb. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served promptly at 6:30 p.m. Guests are always welcome. We hope to see you there.