On March 14, Maine's Marine Resources Committee voted that LD170 "ought not to pass."  However, Committee chair Sen. Dennis Damon discussed the difficulties facing the groundfish industry, and committee members agreed that the State needed to take stronger action than it has to date to assist the groundfish industry.

A subcommittee was formed and will report back to the full committee by March 28 on assistance measures.  Preliminary ideas include:

• Service fee rebates at the Exchange

• Eliminating the sales tax on diesel fuel.  More on fuel tax

• Subsidized ice for fishing vessels unloading in Maine

We will maintain this site though at least April 1 as we monitor the Committee's work.