SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [SCOM] March 28, 2014 — Two Maine legislators are proposing revenue bonds that would help boost lobster processing in Maine.
If the legislature approves, they will go to voters for approval as well. The money would then be available as loans for lobster businesses.
The first bill, sponsored by Sen Troy Jackson, would invest $10 million in the development of lobster processing facilities. The second, sponsored by Sen Mark Eves, would invest $15 million in research intitutions to partner with businesses to develop new products and diversify lobster offerings.
The bills have the support of lobster harvesters, who see the increased activity as boosting the value of their catch.
“We believe we can preserve our way of life, but it’s going to take creativity and hard work. We have to invest in the future,” said Rocky Alley of Jonesport, lobster fisherman and President of the Maine Lobstering Union.
“Right now, when we haul our traps and bring lobsters to the dock, a majority of them end up shipped out of Maine to be processed,” said Alley. “It does not make sense to send all of the lobsters we catch across the border to have them turned into value added products and then come back into the U.S.,” he said.
“Investing through these bonds will be a win-win for everyone. It will create jobs and help us preserve our way of life in Maine’s coastal communities. We ask the Legislature to support us,” said Alley.
This story originally appeared on Seafood.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission.