ROCKPORT — With the 41st Fisherman's Forum well underway at the Samoset Resort; the parking lot filled with cars and trucks with license plates from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware and Rhode Island. Forum Director Chilloa Young said the forum has more exhibitors then it has ever had and a lot more people were in attendance. She said there was a lot of energy at this forum.

Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree made the trip to Rockport to get her facts firsthand.

"I have a couple of people here from my office and it's always important to hear things first hand what people are experiencing rather then filtered through Washington or NOAA," she said. "A lot of these people we talk to on the phone or email and this gives us a chance to hear firsthand what they are saying."

The Midcoast is home to numerous businesses whose companies support the fishing industry. Hamilton Maine is considered a Midcoast Marine Superstore with locations in Rockland, Jonesport, Searsport, Southwest Harbor and Portland. Daryl Leach, of Hamilton Marine, said the marine supply store has been part of the fishing industry for 37 years and he had worked there 31 of those years.

John Church said it was 1977 when Hamilton opened its doors.

"A lot of changes," he said. "There have been a lot of changes in the people, the industry and the boats. I remember when a 32 footer used to be a big boat. Now they're all 50 footers. And technology has changed. We try to be a one-stop shop for fishermen; it's important to be here at the forum."

Dennis York of Midcoast Marine Electronics in Rockland said the forum was important to business.

"This is how you get the word out," he said. “We offer marine electronics, installation and equipment repair to all varieties of boats. The forum gives people a chance to see new equipment and ask questions, they can see how it works, and determine what the upgrades and new technologies are. This forum is important for us in terms of customer service."

Journey's End Marina is a service marina located on Tillson Avenue in Rockland. Nicholas O'Hara said the marina is a full service marina.

"We specialize in repowering, refits from fiberglass to stainless repairs," he said. "Our state of the art paint spray booth and handle a boat up to 85 feet in length. We can haul a boat up to 75 tons. It's important to be here at the Fisherman's Forum. Fifty percent of our business comes from people you see here. We're happy to be here and people are happy to see us here."

Jerry Wadsworth, of Friendship Trap Company, said the company ships lobster traps all over New England. He said being at the forum is important for business.

"We get to see a lot of people maybe we haven't seen in a long time," he said. "It's all about ongoing relationships. I've been doing this for 35 years now, so I get to see a lot of people again and again. We have a great time here; it's all abut the people."

The forum runs through Saturday, March 5, with a Tradeshow, seminars on topical subjects for fishermen and a complete children's program. The forum occupies three floors of the Samoset Resort.