ROCKPORT — Although at first glance it's hard to imagine, a Maine lobster is a vulnerable thing.

How to keep a lobster healthy will be the featured topic at the Maine Lobstermen's Association annual meeting, held at 9 a.m. at the Samoset Resort, Friday, March 4. Jean Lavallée will speak about lobster health and handling practices among lobstermen and dealers. MLA members are invited to bring their sternmen to the meeting this year to learn more about the issue. There will be a special thank you gift for all sternmen who attend.

Lavallée, who worked for many years at the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island, is well-known in Canada as an expert on lobster health. "The MLA wants to keep the conversation about lobster quality at the top of everyone's minds, especially given how warm the ocean is right now," said Patrice McCarron, MLA executive director in a news release. "Jean Lavallée is the go-to guy on lobster health and quality in our region."

Despite the fact that a lobster carries a formidable shell and fierce claws, it is susceptible to many environmental elements as well as human activities that can affect its health. Lavallée will speak about factors ranging from diet, water temperatures and molt stages that can weaken a lobster. Other elements, such as how the lobster is handled from trap to table, also come into play. In the Maritime Provinces, the current focus is on encouraging lobstermen and dealers to protect lobsters in every way practical. "The goal is to make sure that we harvest, transport and ship lobsters in the best way possible. Fundamentally there are certain things that must be done. These are common sense things, like don't leave the lobsters out in the rain, don't put them in a tank without running water or leave them on deck when it's hot," Lavallée said.

At the annual meeting, MLA members also will hear from Coast Guard Fishing Vessel Safety examiner Kevin Plowman, who will provide an update on the latest Coast Guard safety rules, specifically life raft requirements. As always, there will be a door prize raffle for those who attend. Prizes include brand-new lobster traps donated by Brooks Trap Mill in Thomaston, Friendship Trap Co. and Frazier Trap, personal floatation devices, five Drill Conductor classes donated by McMillan Offshore Survival Training of Belfast, safety knives to attach to oilskins donated by Plante Buoy Sticks, and other items.

All MLA members, sternmen, and their families are welcome to attend. The MLA is Maine's oldest fishermen's organization, created in 1954. Its mission is to advocate for a sustainable lobster resource and the fishermen and communities that depend on it.

For additional information about the meeting, contact the MLA office at 967-4555 or email sarah@mainelobstermen.org.