Work Life

Lobstering

Rockfish racks, the favored bait of most lobstermen, come from Canada.

The metal in most trap wire comes from China.

It takes a lot of fuel to be on the water all day.

Tariffs, when and if they stay in place, will make the cost of catching the bugs go up.

There’s more to this story, though…

Construction

Construction is a major industry on Vinalhaven. Both metals and lumber frequently come from out of the country, and both are expected to have tariffs placed on them.

And while the United
States remains a major player in the production of construction materials such as fasteners and steel beams, a number of American hardware manufacturers rely on metals sourced from Asia—particularly China. Consequently, building costs for both contractors and their customers
will likely increase.

Farming

Food and floral production may affect only a few growers on Vinalhaven, but the farming industry nationwide is under siege.