Media quote Bayer in Knott obituaries

The Associated Press, the Portland Press Herald, the Ellsworth American and the Worcester Business Journal quoted Bob Bayer, the executive director of the University of Maine Lobster Institute, in an obituary for James Knott, the inventor of wire mesh used in lobster traps. Knott, a Massachusetts native and the founder of Riverdale Mills Corporation, passed away Aug. 16 at age 88. In 1980 he invented Aquamesh, which is now used in 85 percent of North American lobster traps. “Jim Knott was a well-respected visionary and an ardent supporter of the lobster industry,” said Bayer. “His impact cannot be understated. The technical changes he introduced to lobster fishing in Maine and throughout North America were profoundly significant. He singlehandedly changed and bettered the way of life for so many people.” In 2006, Knott was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from UMaine for his “commitment to the future of the lobster industry, innovative spirit, perseverance and positive leadership, willingness to share his knowledge and ideas and his outstanding support of UMaine’s Lobster Institute,” the Press Herald reports. The Bangor Daily News, The Washington Post, WABI (Channel 5), WMTW (Channel 8 in Portland), the Worcester Telegram and the Boston Herald carried the AP article, and the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel carried the Press Herald article.