The Portland Fish Exchange has developed a package of measures to assist Maine's groundfish fleet overcome barriers to doing business within the state.

In mid-March, the legislative Marine Resources Committee voted LD170 "ought not to pass."  A subcommittee was appointed to recommend actions the State could take in lieu of LD170 to help Maine groundfishermen.

The subcommittee has settled on recommendation of the following package:

• Per=pound rebates on groundfish (and monkfish) landings to replace the foregone revenue from bycatch lobster.

• Elimination of Maine's diesel fuel sales tax for groundfish vessels.

• Vastly reduced ice charges for Maine groundfishermen, also part of replacing foregone lobster revenue.

• Transportation reimbursement for vessels trucking their fish to their preferred market in Maine.

• A $5m revolving loan fund for low-interest debt refinancing.

The subcommittee will recommend this package to the full Marine Resources Committee on Wednesday March 26.  The Committee may accept, reject, or modify the recommendations - then the stage shifts to the appropriations process.

Read the Exchange's assistance package