Maine Blackfly Breeders Association reports bumper crop for spring season
Maine Blackfly Breeders Association hatchery manager and treasurer Holly Garner-Jackson, left, holds a cuddly Maine blackfly next to MBBA President Marilyn Dowling, who wears a t-shirt of her own design. It and other “Defenders of the Wilderness” merch can be purchased at Machias River General Store. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon
by Sarah Craighead Dedmon
Blackfly hatchery managers in Whiting and Jonesboro this week announced the 2023 blackfly season is off to a promising start.
“They are out in great numbers in East Machias. I have had many reports,” said Jonesboro hatchery manager and Maine Blackfly Breeders Association President Marilyn Dowling.
Other locals confirm a strong start to one of Washington County’s most vibrant insect seasons. Last week, Bucks Harbor fisherman George Sprague notified fellow drivers that visibility on the Machias Bridge was reduced to one truck length due to a fresh swarm of blackflies.
That kind of successful swarming doesn’t happen by accident, says MBBA Treasurer Holly Garner-Jackson, who also manages the Whiting hatchery. Due to the extensive need for blackflies, more than 1,000 official blackfly breeders support the work of the association. But you don’t have to be a professional to contribute to the effort.
“Anybody with clean running water is a breeder,” Garner-Jackson said. “Anyone that has clean, clear running water breeds blackflies.”
Besides serving as cheerful icons of spring and constant companions in the forest, blackflies play an important role in the environment.
“They’re an environmental indicator. They’re the first thing that comes back when they clean up a polluted river,” said Garner-Jackson. “And they’re part of the circle of life. The blackfly feeds the fish, the fish feeds the fisherman, and the fisherman feeds the blackfly.”
Not everyone appreciates the work of the MBBA. Since its founding in 1992, MBBA leadership has heard from countless dissatisfied citizens asking them to cease and desist their efforts.
Critics might be pleased to learn that, working at their Jonesboro research facility, Dowling has designed a blackfly feeder which could relieve some feeding pressure for humans in its vicinity.
This prototype of a blackfly feeder was developed by MBBA President Marilyn Dowling, who herself does not mind feeding the “little darlins” directly. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon
Other MBBA projects are underway but still in the early stages.
“Blackflies don’t work at night, but we’re trying to cross them with fireflies,” said Gardner-Jackson.
Alongside their work breeding blackflies, MBBA also donates to the work of many Washington County organizations, including the Machias Area Food Pantry, ARK Animal Shelter, and the Downeast Coastal Conservancy land trust.
“Because we want more people out on the trails to feed blackflies,” said Garner-Jackson.
“And to preserve blackfly habitat,” said Dowling.
Supporters can display their affection for the iconic Maine blackfly and support the work of the Maine Blackfly Breeders Association by purchasing these bumper stickers and other blackfly merch for sale at Machias River General Store in Machias. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon
Anyone wishing to join the MBBA can do so for the low price of $1, which will earn them a certificate of membership. Email your interest to maineblackfly@gmail.com. Volunteers are also required to fill two-hour shifts at this year’s Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, which is the registered nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser.
And lastly, volunteers are needed at the MBBA’s two largest facilities, where research is underway to design a wing farm to power the hatcheries during blackfly breeding season.
“People often ask us, ‘What do you feed them?’ Garner-Jackson said.
“That’s what the volunteers are for.”