Senate Democrats urge federal government to stand up for the safety of lobstermen

Posted: March 04, 2020 | Senator Miramant

AUGUSTA — Maine Senate Democrats unanimously passed a joint resolution calling on the federal government to prioritize the safety and well-being of Maine’s lobstermen on Thursday. The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Dave Miramant, D-Camden. 

“Maine’s lobstermen have been conscientious stewards of our waters and marine resources for generations. Over the years, they’ve made major changes to how they work and fish the waters, because they know better than almost anyone that the health of our oceans impacts all of us,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic. “Regulations handed down by federal officials must take this into account, and must prioritize their safety. It isn’t right to ask these hardworking Mainers to put themselves in danger in the name of trying to solve a problem that isn’t their fault in the first place.”

“Our federal government is trying to create a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist, and what’s worse is their solution would risk the lives of Maine workers,” said Sen. Miramant. “I’m proud to see so many of my fellow legislators stand with me to speak up for the people of this important heritage industry.”

Sen. Vitelli serves on the Legislature’s Marine Resources Committee, and Sen. Miramant serves as Senate chair of the committee.

The joint resolution petitions the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of those working in Maine’s lobster industry as it considers rules to address the dwindling right whale population. There is no indication that right whales have been harmed by Maine lobstering gear in more than 15 years

The resolution states, in part, that Legislators “respectfully urge and request the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration take the lives of the men and women of the Maine lobster industry into account in the agency’s decision making and understand that the agency’s proposed changes to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan will not save one right whale in Maine waters but will put Maine human lives in danger.”