Landing the Lobster
There are many variables that affect the lobsterman’s catch, such as weather and abundance. The tariffs, however, add unnecessary challenges to bringing in a successful catch.
Rockfish racks are the favored bait. They come from Canada and now have a 25% tariff imposed on them
Most of Vinalhaven fuel comes from Canadian suppliers with a 10% tariff.
Trap wire has metal in its core that comes mainly from China.
NOAA is no longer launching two weather balloons in Maine. This will reduce the accuracy of weather forecasts. By some accounts a solid forecast is more important for safety on the water than a lifejacket.
Selling the Lobster
Although plenty of lobster is sold to be eaten fresh, much of it is sold to processers who prepare and freeze the product. There is not enough processing capacity in Maine. Maine and Canada have a coordinated relationship to processing lobster. Tariffs and reciprocal tariffs are imposed on the flow of product back and forth across the border. As the end product becomes more and more expensive it is likely that more people will forego this luxury food item.
Maine Sea Grant
The Maine Sea Grant, a $4.5 million grant program for coastal research, was abruptly discontinued by the administration in February. Of the 34 nationwide grant programs administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this was the only one discontinued.
As reported on the University of Maine blog, “that sparked an outcry from the state’s Congressional Delegation, legislators and thousands of Mainers, including fishermen and sea farmers, who have been served by the partnership program since its founding in 1971 and who directly shape its activities.” In early May the funding was fully restored.
It is not clear why the grant was discontinued for two months, or what changes were made in the reworked application. It may be simply that what once was referred to as sea level rise, warming water temperatures, or climate change is now called “ecosystem changes”.
Protesting works.
Just the Facts 