Vitelli introduces bill to support Maine lobstering industry

AUGUSTA — Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, on Tuesday introduced a bill to support the Maine lobstering industry. LD 1987, “Resolve, To Exempt Truck Drivers Transporting Live Lobsters from Certain Hours-of-service Restrictions,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Transportation Committee. 

“Maine is well-known around the world for our fresh, tasty lobster. As the marketing of lobsters and the experience of eating lobsters has successfully spread to new markets, the ability to deliver on that experience becomes challenging,” said Sen. Vitelli. “Getting lobsters quickly to market in Boston is essential for Maine lobster dealers to maintain and grow this iconic industry.”

LD 1987 directs the Department of Public Safety, Bureau of State Police to amend its rules governing motor carrier safety to exempt intrastate motor carriers, vehicles and drivers delivering live lobsters from hours-of-service restrictions. The same exemption already has been granted to the transportation of potatoes, broccoli and livestock.

“It is our location or more so the geographic diversity of our membership that puts us at an economic disadvantage when trying to bring our live product to market under the current time restraints,” said Virginia Olsen, a lobster fisherman from Stonington, who sits on the board of the Maine Lobstering Union. “With all of the blows the industry is being given with rising bait costs and uncertain whale rules it would be really nice to have an exemption that made one aspect of our lives a little easier.”

LD 1987 now faces further action in committee before going to the Maine Senate and House for votes.