WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Maine Congressional Delegation is urging White House Chief of Staff William Daley to reaffirm the Administration’s commitment to New England’s historic groundfishery and to include input from Maine fishermen in any management decision. In a letter to Daley, the delegation insisted the Administration’s commitment to long-term regional groundfishery management plans that are critical to rebuilding Maine’s industry.
“As I personally raised with Assistant Administrator Eric Schwaab last week, in spite of historic and economic challenges faced by the New England Groundfishery, catch data during the first year of the catch-shares program is unequivocally encouraging,” said Senator Snowe. “The Administration must recognize that a regional fishery should be managed with input from all affected states and invest in management research that will improve the effectiveness of a program that the New England Fisheries Management Council adopted. Maine’s fishermen deserve to be engaged just as any other New England fishermen in management decisions and it is my expectation that the Administration will consider their voices in future management decisions.”
“Given the uncertainty during the first year of the new catch shares management system, I am pleased that the new system has been well received,” said Senator Collins. “However, I believe that the Administration must work with all New England states when dealing with our region’s critical fishery. Fishing is a way of life in Maine and we must do what we can to maintain and grow our important industry.”
“I am looking forward to continuing to work with the Administration to fight for Maine’s fishermen and sustainable coastal communities,” Congresswoman Pingree said. “By taking steps such as those we suggest, we will strengthen our fishery. It is important for the Administration to understand that groundfish in New England is really a regional fishery and I want to make sure Maine fishermen are well represented in discussions about the future of the fishery. I am looking forward to working with Maine fishermen and the Administration.”
“Maine’s positions and the voices of our fishermen must continue to be represented and heard,” said Congressman Mike Michaud. “A well managed fishery promotes the well-being of fishermen and entire communities up and down our coast. The Administration needs to take our state’s priorities into account on these important issues.”