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Groundfish |
Lobster |
Economics |
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Analysis suggests if Maine continues to take no action to
retain its groundfish fleet, another 200 jobs will be lost.
Conversely, if the state allowed bycatch lobster to be landed - or
reimbursed Maine's fleet for the foregone value - 150 jobs would be
recaptured.
Read the analysis |
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A study conducted by a prominent Maine economist
validates Maine fishermen’s description of the importance of bycatch
lobster, and found that Maine’s prohibition on bycatch lobster landings
costs the state hundreds of jobs and million of dollars in taxes, wages,
and economic activity.
According to the report, Maine lost 355 jobs, $30
million in economic activity, and $1 million in taxes from
2000-2005, and the exodus to Massachusetts is accelerating.
Read the
economic study |
Press release |
The number of jobs in Maine seafood processing plants
plummeted by nearly 50% over the last decade. During the same time, Massachusetts, with its
fishing-friendly state policies, saw its processing employment
increase.
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The federal government ranks the top 50 U.S. ports by value
of seafood landed. Portland, a top-10 port in the 1990's, has
fallen to 20th-30th. Meanwhile, the port of Gloucester MA -
formerly 20th-30th - has risen to take Portland's place.
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New England seafood landings are worth $800 million - $1
billion annually. Lobsters, scallops, and groundfish are the most valuable
species landed.
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