Press Releases

Project will create jobs for Maine fishermen and lobstermen to get critical information on the state’s herring population

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that she has included funding in a major appropriations bill for a Maine project that would employ lobstermen and fishermen to conduct a much-needed study on the herring population our coastal industries depend on.
 
“Herring quotas have been cut drastically in Maine over the last couple of years, making it increasingly difficult and expensive for lobstermen to use herring as bait and harder for fishermen to make ends meet,” said Pingree. “These drastic cuts may not be needed if we had more accurate information on the herring population.  This study will help fill that gap while putting people to work and keeping their livelihoods sustainable.”
 
This year, herring quotas are 46 percent of what they were two years ago.   Without survey information of herring populations close to the coast, there is a wide margin of error in herring estimates and regulations cautiously side with the lowest projection.
 
Coordinated by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI), the project would employ 10 lobster boats or fishing boats to use sonar equipment to count herring.  With the boats surveying in different areas simultaneously, they will be able to get an accurate picture of the population.
 
Fishermen and lobstermen interested in participating in the study can contact GMRI.  An online video of the appropriations request made to Pingree’s office is at: http://www.pingree.house.gov/legis/appropriations/ <http://www.pingree.house.gov/legis/appropriations/> .
 
“I can’t think of anyone better qualified to be out there collecting the data we need to manage this resource than Maine fishermen,” said Pingree. “The people who know the fishery the best are the ones who have spent their lives making a living on the water.”
 
“In combination with a bad economy, these quotas have had a terrible impact on the state’s fishing and lobster industries,” said Pingree. “With better science, I hope we find that they don’t need to be so drastic.”
Pingree was able to get $400,000 in funding for the project included as part of the Commerce, Justice and Science appropriations bill, which is expected to pass the House later this summer and then go on to the Senate.
 
Pingree is also wrote the Coastal Jobs Creation Act with two of her colleagues, which would support similar programs that put Maine fishermen to work, improve the management of our resources and invest in our coastal infrastructure..