SENATOR COLLINS WORKING TO PROTECT MAINE OYSTER INDUSTRY

Washington, DC –Senator Susan Collins has written to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in support of Maine's oyster farmers. The NMFS is considering placing eastern oysters on the endangered species list, a move that could have a detrimental effect on Maine's local oyster farmers. The NMFS proposal is in response to concerns over the status of the eastern oyster stock in the Chesapeake Bay. "Maine oyster farms have a high value to our state's economy with a low environmental impact. A determination that eastern oysters are endangered species could unduly affect the oyster farming industry, which annually accounts for over $2 million in sales with a significant multiplier in Maine alone," Senator Collins said. "Any solution should allow for the regulation of oyster farming in the areas that are of most concern, while not affecting those areas that are not of concern."

Following is the text of the letter:

Ms. Kimberly Damon-Randall Assistant Regional Administrator Protected Resources, NMFS Northeast 1 Blackburn Drive Gloucester, MA 01930

Dear Ms. Damon-Randall:

I am writing in response to the petition proposing to list the eastern oyster as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. As you maybe aware, Maine oyster farms, which have a high value and a low environmental impact, are on the rise. A determination that eastern oysters are endangered species may adversely affect Maine's 58 family-owned oyster farms. I understand the concern over the status of the eastern oyster stock in the Chesapeake Bay. These same concerns, however, do not extend throughout the range of the eastern oyster. I encourage the National Marine Fisheries Service to fully consider the impact of any listing activity on Maine's growing oyster aquaculture industry. Any solution must allow for maximum flexibility and for the regulation of oyster farming in the areas that are of most concern, while not affecting those areas that are not of concern. Otherwise any listing activity could unduly affect this industry, which annually accounts for over $2 million in sales with a significant multiplier effect in Maine alone.

Again, I encourage you to carefully consider any listing of the eastern oyster. Thank you for your attention to my comments.

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