Dave Cousens is a veteran lobster fisherman from Waterman's Beach, South Thomaston, Maine. He played a crucial role in fostering cooperation between American and Canadian lobster fishermen. Dave's dedication to sustainable fishing practices and his efforts to educate younger generations about the industry have made him a respected leader in the lobster community.

Edwin McKie, hailing from Bay Fortune, PEI, is a seasoned lobster fisherman and advocate for cross-border collaboration in the industry. He played a key role in bridging the gap between Canadian and American lobster fishermen, realizing that they shared common interests. Edwin's commitment to open communication, information sharing, and his involvement in initiatives like the Skipper Program have strengthened relationships and fostered a spirit of cooperation between lobster communities.

Scope and Content Note

In this interview, Dave Cousens and Edwin McKie speak about the social and legal differences between Canadian and U.S. lobster fishing and the projects, such as meetings and the Eastern Maine Skippers Program, that they have worked on together. After meeting sometime between 1998 and 1999, Cousens and McKie have worked together to increase communication and education on the differences between the lobster industry in the U.S. and Canada. Dave and Edwin discuss their efforts to educate younger fishermen and promote cooperation between Maine and Canada. They describe a program where young fishermen from Maine visited PEI to learn about the Canadian lobster fishery and exchange knowledge. They also express concerns about challenges facing the lobster industry, including climate change, bait shortages, and whale entanglement issues. They emphasize the need for collaboration and finding solutions to these challenges. Dave and Edwin highlight the importance of communication, education, and building relationships across national boundaries.