Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement in response to reports that the Trump Administration has terminated the University of Maine’s $4.5 million grant program for Maine Sea Grant:

The abrupt termination of Maine Sea Grant funding is a devastating loss for our coastal communities and marine industries, including our fisheries. This program has long been a critical partner in supporting working waterfronts, advancing sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries, and preparing for the impacts of climate change—like those we saw during last winter’s storms, which devastated so many of our communities.

This shortsighted and heartless decision—which has left dozens of skilled employees suddenly jobless—threatens the progress we’ve made in addressing challenges such as ocean acidification, warming waters, and habitat conservation. It also puts at risk the jobs and livelihoods of our vital fishing industries, who depend on the knowledge and resources this program provides. 

In making these cuts, the administration claimed that the work of Maine Sea Grant is ‘no longer relevant.’ This is not only insulting, but demonstrates an alarming lack of understanding of the essential role grants and scientific studies play in sustaining our fisheries and coastal economies.

As has been the case with so many reckless actions this Administration has taken, there is little to no information available about the rationale for this funding termination. It seems pretty clear the President now has a personal vendetta against our state, and is willing to go to any length to settle the score–no matter how petty, and regardless of the toll.

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