SENATOR COLLINS JOINS CITY OF PORTLAND AND ASSOCIATED FISHERIES OF MAINE IN OPPOSING PROPOSAL TO CUT FISHING DAYS IN HALF

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Susan Collins has submitted a declaration to U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler citing the devastating impact that the Department of Commerce's proposed groundfishing regulations would have on Maine's groundfishing industry. The declaration was filed as part of a brief submitted by the City of Portland, the Associated Fisheries of Maine, and other parties. Judge Kessler is expected to impose additional fishing restrictions pursuant to a lawsuit brought against the Department of Commerce.

"I have talked extensively with fishermen, scientists, and conservationists abut problems with Maine's groundfishing industry," said Senator Susan Collins. "My constituents have informed me that severely restricting the number of fishing days at sea, as the Department of Commerce proposed, will have a devastating effect on the groundfishing industry in Maine. I urge the court, as it seeks to bring the National Marine Fisheries Service in compliance with the Sustainable Fisheries Act, to examine proposals that will not further curb the already limited number of fishing days at sea allocated to groundfishermen."

Judge Kessler will consider the proposed remedy and the declarations made by Senator Collins and others in deciding what additional restrictions are warranted. Kessler has said she wants a solution put in place by May 1, the start of the fishing season.