U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins (R-Maine) on Friday announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded $146,749 to the Maine Department of Marine Resources in Augusta.
The funding will be used to launch a study to examine and asses the socio-economic habits of multiple species of marine life in the Gulf of Maine in order to maintain and preserve these valuable resources.
"As Mainers, we must pledge to be stewards of our beloved rocky shores, the fishing industries that sustain our coastal economy, and the marine life that inhabits our waters," said Senators Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. "These vital funds, generously allocated by the Department of Commerce, will contribute to ensuring the strong future of both our coastal communities and livelihoods."