Members told the Examiner.com that the Maryland Watermen's Association hasn't adequately represented their interests.
Gibby Dean, a charter boat captain from Hurlock, will serve as president of the association. Mr Dean says watermen need "a new start" in their relationships with lawmakers in Annapolis and that representing themselves is the best option. He says his job will be to work with lawmakers to preserve watermen's way of life.
The new group is concerned about Governor Martin O'Malley's plan to expand oyster sanctuaries. Environmentalists and scientists have cheered the plan, but watermen believe it will endanger their livelihoods.
New Watermen Association Growing
US - More than 100 Eastern Shore watermen have formed a new lobbying group called the Chesapeake Bay Commercial Fishermen's Association.
