PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Fishermen have launched a campaign to contain development and protect Portland’s waterfront.

The Portland Press Herald reports a group of fishermen and their supporters gathered Sunday at Andy’s Old Port Pub to collect petition signatures and start fundraising.

Developers are currently proposing hotel and garage projects along the waterfront.

Local fishermen say development could harm fishing. They are pushing for a measure that would restore the water dependency use. The group says the protection has been weakened by zoning amendments since its adoption in 1987.

Yarmouth resident Willis Spear says waterfront development is “outpacing what can be handled.” The lobsterman says parking and hotels can be built virtually anywhere but fishermen need the waterfront.

Organizers need at least 1,500 signatures by January in order to move forward with the initiative.