ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The founder and longtime president of the Maryland Watermen’s Association has died. Larry Simns was 75.

The group announced his death on Thursday. It says Simns died at his home, surrounded by family.

Simns created the watermen’s association in the 1970s and served as its president for 40 years. He spent his life living and working on the Chesapeake Bay and advocated for watermen in Annapolis.

Gov. Martin O’Malley says in a statement that it’s difficult to imagine the watermen’s community without Simns. Sen. Barbara Mikulski says Simns was a “trusted advisor.” She says he ensured that Marylanders could enjoy the crabs and oysters the state is famous for.

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