Michele Longo Eder  Attorney at Law

Marine and Fisheries law

What is Marine and Fisheries Law?

This area involves commercial fishing, vessels, and maritime law including the sale and purchase of commercial vessels and permits, preparation of U.S. Coast Guard documents, gear or vessel liens or mortgages, mortgage and lien foreclosures, personal injuries to crewmen, damage to vessels and salvage. I assist clients with regulatory issues such as limited entry and catch allocations before state and federal agencies and represent numerous trade and marketing associations of fishermen. Representative clients have included the Oregon Trawl Commission, the Newport Crab Marketing Association, the Shrimp Producers Marketing Cooperative, the Oregon Trollers Association and the Coos Umpqua Crab Association.

In this changing regulatory environment, knowledge of current vessel values and the value of permits associated with vessels is essential in constructing a transaction that will most benefit my client. I have extensive experience in representing vessel and permit sellers and buyers. I work closely with brokers in the field.

• State and Federal Regulatory Matters
  Government management of fisheries, both at the state and federal level, is complex and continually changing. I represent and advocate for individuals and groups of fishermen before the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Areas of representation include issues involving allocation, catch regulations, individual quotas, limited entry and other management measures.
• Injuries to Crewmen
  I represent vessel owners in regard to claims of injured crewmen. Although many vessels have insurance coverage that provides for legal counsel, there are occasions when there may be exposure for the vessel owner for liability in excess of the insurance coverage. I can provide advice to you in regard to these matters including the possibility of any bad faith issues on the part of the insurer. In addition, I represent vessels that do not have insurance against whom claims have been made.
• Business Formation
  I advise clients as to which business entity will best serve their needs in regard to owning vessels and permits. I provide advice in the formation and maintenance of limited liability companies, “S” and “C” corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships.