WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, welcomed the announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce to meet with Portland’s fishing community on April 25, 2011. The purpose of the meeting, which will take place at the Holiday Inn by the Bay from 6 to 9 pm, is for NOAA to receive public comment on proposed tuna allocations for the upcoming fishing year. Under the proposed rules Maine tuna fishermen could be facing the most stringent limitations on record.
“I welcome the Department of Commerce’s decision to engage Portland’s fishermen firsthand to learn about the challenges and concerns facing their community and industry,” said Senator Snowe. “At a time of rising diesel prices, it is critical that regulations work for both fish and our fishermen and provide equitable allocations to Maine's proud tuna industry.”
The Holiday Inn by the Bay is located at 88 Spring Street in Portland.