ROCKPORT — The Maine Lobstermen's Association (MLA) distributed more than 100 nylon mesh bags designed to keep trash from entering the Gulf of Maine during the Maine Fishermen's Forum in early March. "We were delighted to receive a donation of these terrific bags from the Ocean Conservancy," said Patrice McCarron, MLA executive director in a news release. "We know that Maine lobstermen are very aware of the impacts of marine debris and these bags make it even easier for them to haul that stuff ashore."

The 32"-long bags are made of durable blue nylon mesh so that water drains easily from them. Furthermore, the bag has a zipper at the bottom. "You toss trash in the bag, then when you get to the dock you just pull the zipper back and empty the bag. It's a great design," McCarron said.

"If you put it on your boat, you should bring it in," said David Cousens, MLA president. Cousens said the primary plastic items he picks up while fishing are Solo cups and Styrofoam coffee cups, but he also finds the plastic wrappers for frozen bait, yogurt cups and plastic soda bottles. Studies show that in salt water plastic materials break down into extremely small particles which can last in the ocean for centuries.

Ocean Conservancy made the bags available as part of its Trash Free Seas Alliance program. The aim of the program is to partner with industry, government, nongovernmental organizations and others around the globe to identify ways to stop land-based trash from ever reaching the oceans.

The Maine Lobstermen's Association is the state's oldest fishermen's organization, founded in 1954. Its mission is to advocate for a sustainable lobster resource and the fishermen and communities that depend on it.