Federal officials were in Portland this morning to hear from fishermen about the proposed listing of bluefin tuna as an endangered species.
Obama administration officials were in Maine today to hear from fishermen about the possible listing of bluefin tuna as an endangered species. That's according to Maine 1st District Rep. Chellie Pingree, who says such a listing could shut down the state's tuna fishery.
"Maine fishermen have a long history of acting responsibly and making sure that tuna aren't over-fished," Pingree says in a statement. "I don't think they should carry the entire burden of protecting this species while other countries break the rules and act irresponsibly. I'm glad regulators have agreed to come to Maine and listen to our fishermen first-hand."
Regulators are considering listing the blufin tuna as either endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Last September, Pingree called on the Obama administration to "consider the science on this issue very, very carefully." Pingree says such a listing could affect other Maine fisheries as well.
Read the complete story from The Maine Public Broadcasting Network.