From 2005-2013 The Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation (GOMLF) worked directly with the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR)to place trained observers onto commercial lobster boats as part of the Sea Sampling Program. Lobstermen volunteer to host a community sampler for the day so they can collect catch and effort information and biological data on the day’s fishing activity. From the first lobster trap to the last, samplers measure each lobster and note the sex, cull status, v-notch condition, egg development stage, the molt status, and measure any finfish bycatch in the traps. This program helps the state to better understand the resource from a lobsterman’s perspective, seeing what lobstermen see each day.