Governor Baldacci Encourages Proactive Approach to Protecting Lobster Industry

Press Release

Governor Baldacci Encourages Proactive Approach to Protecting Lobster Industry

Governor John E. Baldacci opened the Gulf of Maine Lobster Fishery Conference Thursday afternoon by discussing his strategies for meeting the needs of the lobster industry. The Governor said that stabilizing small businesses along Maine's coast is important in the short term, and proactive steps should be taken to protect the lobster industry in the long term.

"No one could have reasonably anticipated the series of events that have so impacted the Maine lobster fishery this fall," Governor Baldacci said. "This situation is unprecedented in our experience. But now that we know our vulnerabilities, it is critical that we proactively protect ourselves against similar circumstances in the future, and find better ways to do business."

Based on port sampling data collected by the Maine Department of Marine Resources, landings in the month of October, 2005, represented more than $60 million. In 2008, it was less than $20 million.

To deal with some of the issues facing the lobster industry in the short term, Governor Baldacci directed the Department of Economic and Community Development to work with the Finance Authority of Maine and the Small Business Administration to give small businesses the information and tools they need to keep their operations in tact over the next year. As a result, a team of financial representatives has visited each of Maine's seven lobster zones over the past month to share information.

For the long term, Governor Baldacci created the Governor's Task Force on the Economic Sustainability of Maine's Lobster Fishery. The group is made up of industry leaders, business experts and community development specialists to take a comprehensive look at the operation aspect of the lobster industry.

"I believe that this is the time for all ideas to come forward, for all possibilities to be considered," the Governor said. "I anticipate that this Task Force will be an important part of generating a blueprint for the lobster industry in the future."

The two-day Gulf of Maine Lobster Fishery Conference is gathering officials from four New England coastal states, Canada and national and regional marine fisheries groups to discuss the future of the lobster industry. The goal of the conference is to get a broader understanding of the many challenges facing the lobster industry. There are plans for future conferences, including the involvement of fishermen and other stakeholders, to gather more information and explore possible changes to improve lobster management.

"Lobstering is an iconic Maine industry, and I see no reason why it shouldn't always remain that way," Governor Baldacci said. "This is an opportunity to take a hard look at what we believe this industry could be in Maine, and work together to make that a reality."

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