I am writing to support amending Maine's lobster landing regulations to be in accordance with federal law.  Maine is the only state on the Eastern Seaboard which prohibits bycatch lobster landings. 

This prohibition places Maine fishermen at a severe disadvantage compared to fishermen from  other states.  Maine's groundfish businesses - vessels, seafood processors, and other suppliers - cannot compete without a level playing field.  Maine's bycatch lobster landing law is driving jobs and economic activity away from the State.

The Legislature can resolve this issue at no cost to taxpayers and no harm to the lobster industry by allowing fishermen to land their bycatch lobsters here, rather than forcing them to take their entire catch - groundfish and lobsters alike - to other ports.

(Additional comments...)

Sincerely,

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