Budget cuts could kill Maine shellfish industry
The head of Maine's marine resources department is proposing to eliminate the state's red tide monitoring program to cut costs, a move he admits will eradicate the state's $50 million shellfish industry.
Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner George LaPointe said that, in order to cut his budget by 10% as directed by Gov. John Baldacci, he will have to make severe cuts in marine patrol or eliminate shellfish inspections, according to the Associated Press. LaPointe said he wants to eliminate his department's three red tide monitoring staffers and its three shellfish inspectors, along with three employees in marine patrol, the AP said. LaPointe admitted that eliminating the state's shellfish inspectors and red tide monitoring staff would essentially kill Maine's $50 million shellfish industry.
LaPointe also proposed an alternative: Raising commercial fishing licenses fees by 20%, he said, would allow all of the department's programs to continue.
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