MEP supports families and students during Elver Season
For many, Maine is synonymous with lobster. Brightly colored buoys and signs advertising “freshly caught lobsters” cover the Maine coast, and even license plates are decorated with the red crustacean. Hailed as one of the most iconic and sustainable fisheries in the United states, Maine contributed a whopping 100,725,000 pounds of lobster to the seafood market in 2019 alone.
However, while the lobster fishery is one of the most well known industries in the state, there is another of great importance in Maine (and to Mano en Mano!)- the Elver fishery.
Maine is home to the only significant fishery for Elvers in the United States, which is the formal name for immature American Eels (also known as Glass Eels). Each spring Elvers migrate from saltwater to freshwater, leaving the ocean and flooding into coastal rivers and lakes. Since they do not spawn in captivity, elvers are very valuable and this year the Maine Department of Marine Resources reported as of April 18th that they are fetching a price of $1,632 per pound. This is a drastic change from last year when the price fell to $525 per pound due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically elvers are caught in Maine and sold to aquaculture companies around the world. There they are raised to maturity and sold for consumption as they are a key ingredient in various sushi dishes.
Many individuals and families migrate to follow the Elver harvest, including many first nations peoples, who have been living and fishing in the rivers, lakes and ocean of Maine since before colonization. This year 9,620 pounds of elvers are allotted for the entire fishery in Maine. As of April 18th 5,500 pounds of elvers have been caught, and the season will continue into June, or until the quota is reached.
Last year, the coronavirus pandemic had a devastating impact on the elver market, causing prices to plummet as a result of the worldwide economic disruption. Elver season typically runs from late March until mid-May/early June, or until the yearly quota has been reached. Last year, the start of the Elver harvest coincided with initial lockdown and the season started later and ended early when the state was forced to temporarily close the fishery in attempts to halt the spread of coronavirus. However, as the vaccine becomes readily available, and the price for elvers rises it appears that this years season is off to a strong start.
The Migrant Education Program works to support families and individuals that migrate to follow the elver harvest. This year multiple families were made MEP eligible because of moving during the elver season, and we are working to connect virtually to ensure the safety and success of all in the program. The season is just beginning, and we will continue to support families that travel for the season and reach out to families that qualify for the Migrant Education Program.
The Migrant Education Program works alongside students’ families, teachers, and schools to foster academic growth and success of students, and the scope of programming includes:
Working with students, infants, and out-of-school youth ages 0-21 to identify their educational needs and goals
Connecting students with workplace readiness & job-training opportunities
Providing enrichment opportunities such as field trips, college and career exploration, and programs during school breaks
Connecting families and students to health, food, and other resources available in their schools and communities
Helping parents understand the school system and advocate for their rights
For the past year the Migrant Education Program has been working with families and students remotely, to support their academic success and personal needs through the pandemic. This spring we are continuing to work virtually to support families.
If you believe that you, or someone you know has traveled to fish for Elvers, and may qualify for the Migrant Education program, please
