And the Tails under the Sea continue... theory # 4

guest contributor: Joanne "Ariel" Berens

This is also a well-documented series of events that led up to the terminology ‘Lobster Pound’ prevalent in Maine. The early settlers of the coastal region of Maine were mainly composed of fisherman (and hardy fisherwomen). It was a harsh environment, but one that kept their communities fed. Fishing nets were mainly used to capture the many and abundant varieties of fish and all were prosperous and well in coastal Maine. Until, of course, the nets became snagged and damaged by a strange creature in the deep. In modern times we know that there are certain migratory patterns that have been followed for centuries by certain animals. The settlers, however, were quite unsettled by this and concerned with their livelihood. Many meetings ensued and the angry settlers decided to round up these strange creatures that were entangled in the nets and burn them, similar to witch hunts and burning at the stake ceremonies. This would surely send the message to the powers who watched over the seas that they were making this offering in appeasement. Well, the net damage continued as well as the burnings until one very disastrous season when food was scarce after a very harsh winter, the ones that Maine is famous for. On the very next burn, the adult settlers were aghast as dozens of the hungry children risked physical danger by reaching into the fire to pull out what we now know as crustaceans, or lobsters, and commenced tearing the hard shells apart and eating what was now succulent meat. Adults, just as hungry, decided to partake as well and all left with full bellies and happy smiles. As word spread about this delicious, abundant new food source, the elders once again convened to discuss the events that were taking place. On the one hand, the new food named lobster was destroying the fisherman’s nets and supplies to repair and make new nets were running low. And on the other hand, they wanted to continue to capture this new sea creature that kept their hunger at bay. Many of these folks had visited out West where on the vast plains cattle grazed. When it came time for the cattle to become tomorrow’s food they were herded into confines while they awaited their fate. Well, the elders thought that this concept would work under the sea and put in place a plan to ‘herd’ the lobsters into a confined area. So the settlers collectively built a huge underwater holding pen built of scrap horseshoe material. They had several ideas on how to persuade the lobsters in the correct direction and into the trap. The one that they decided they could accomplish efficiently was to have all the fisherman’s boats loaded with long steel poles with a big plate on the end of it. Then they formed a line and ‘pounded’ the poles on the bottom of the sea thus making the lobsters scurry towards the pen that they had built. [insert: Kinda Oceanic Monster Mash] It was a huge success! It became a tradition long after the technology changed and today it is commonly known as going to the lobster ‘pound’.

Hhmmmmm.... It could happen.

PS. If this makes no sense to you... you may need to go back and read a blog or two. :)