Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation (GOMLF) will conduct Phase II of the Bottom Line Project, a voluntary groundline rope exchange program for Maine lobstermen, in Ellsworth, Rockland and Scarborough.

GOMLF, a Maine non-profit research organization that collaborates on lobster industry projects, has again contracted with Conigliaro Industries of Framingham, MA, to collect, transport and recycle up to 500,000 pounds of used float rope during this second collection phase of the Bottom Line Project.

The float rope collected during Phase I of the Bottom Line Project, in May 2007, was successfully recycled and used in plastic horticultural products and as aggregate in certain concrete products. And, it has been tested for possible incorporation in wood composite applications.

Many Maine lobstermen have concerns about using sinking groundlines in the rocky bottom areas of the coast. The initial expense of switching to more expensive sink rope, the cost of replacing gear lost due to sink rope hanging down,

compromised hauling safety and diminished fishing capability in many areas are among the greatest concerns.

The voluntary Bottom Line Project provides economic assistance for lobstermen to convert their floating groundlines to sink rope by

issuing vouchers worth $1.40 per pound of float rope turned in. Vouchers are redeemed at participating rope dealers toward the purchase of new sink rope.

This is the second rope exchange conducted by GOMLF, in response to a requirement of the federal Final Whale Rule released in October 2007 mandating the use of sinking groundlines in all waters outside of a coastal exempted area. GOMLF has received federal funds to collect and recycle up to one million pounds of used float rope, and may receive additional funds to conduct

future exchanges.

To date, over 330 Maine lobstermen have registered for one or more of the Phase II collections, with an estimated 400,000 pounds of float rope to be collected. The collection schedule is as follows:

Ellsworth, March 25-27, 265 High Street; Rockland, April 15-17, Public Pier; Scarborough, May 20-22, RC Moore Transportation Center.

All Maine lobstermen who are interested in exchanging their floating groundlines for sink rope are welcome to participate during the Phase II collection but must register with GOMLF first.

For more information on the Bottom Line Project, visit www.gomlf.org or contact Laura Ludwig at the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation, 207-985-8088.