In late 2006, the National Marine Fisheries Service
analyzed its records for evidence of the importance of bycatch lobster
revenue to groundfish vessels, and for evidence of trip diversion by Maine
vessels to out-of-state ports. The analysis clearly showed the rate
of trip diversion was increasing. Between 2000-2005:
- 450 trips from
Maine-based vessels were landed outside of Maine.
- $9.6 million
in fishing revenue was forgone to Maine on these trips.
- 85%
increase in the number of Maine vessels landing outside of the state.
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