We are pleased to share that the Department of Commerce has agreed to renegotiate funding for Maine Sea Grant. At the urging of Senator Collins, Senator King, and Representative Pingree, Secretary Lutnick is directing NOAA to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the work to be performed by Maine Sea Grant to ensure that it focuses on advancing Maine’s coastal economies, working waterfronts and sustainable fisheries.
“We are celebrating a win for our coastal communities and economies today, knowing that our partners at Sea Grant will be equipped to support so many of our seafood projects across the state, from biological research to workforce development strategies,” said Ben Martens, MCFA Executive Director. “In 2023, Maine Sea Grant converted $1.5 million in federal funds to $23.5 million in economic benefit for the state’s seafood economy. We appreciate Senator Susan Collins for working swiftly with the Trump administration as well as Senator Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden to reinstate federal funds for our hardworking industry partners and colleagues.”
In 2023, the Maine Sea Grant chapter created or supported 332 local businesses and 565 jobs in the state. Its staff also managed 12 industry innovation, research and program development grants to foster more resilient Maine communities and economies. Sea Grant has more than 700 established partnerships with businesses, researchers, community organizations, and local and county governments.
“I appreciate the Secretary’s willingness to work together to ensure that Maine Sea Grant can continue to conduct research, support a robust pipeline of skilled labor, and ensure that our coastal economies remain profitable hubs for fishermen, lobstermen, and hospitality workers. It is important that Maine Sea Grant can continue to provide valuable services for communities across the state for years to come,” said Senator Collins.
You can read about the initial decision to close the program at https://www.mainecoastfishermen.org/post/press-release-maine-s-fishing-industry-shocked-by-shuttering-of-sea-grant-program.
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Media contact:
Ben Martens | 207.619.1755 | ben@mainecoastfishermen.org
