Photo / Courtesy Maine Fisherman's Association
Ben Martens
March 2, 2025
Maine Sea Grant loses federal funding, sparking concern about coastal communities, fisheries
File photo / Laurie Schreiber
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree called the termination of funding “a devastating loss for our coastal communities and marine industries, including our fisheries.”
Maine Sea Grant, a marine and coastal science and education program of the University of Maine, learned Saturday it will lose $4.5 million in federal funding.
The loss of funding puts the program's future in jeopardy. Maine Sea Grant receives funding from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with funds matched by the state of Maine and other non-federal sources.
The move came amidst hundreds of layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which funds 34 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Sea Grant programs in coastal and Great Lakes states.
“We are devastated and frankly shocked by this news, knowing the value proposition that Sea Grant offers for our coastal communities and fishing fleets,” said Ben Martens, executive director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association. “Maine’s Sea Grant programs actively collaborate with our fishing communities, businesses and schools to maximize the impact of federal funding and contribute to long-term economic viability in our coastal communities.”
Since 1971, Maine Sea Grant has promoted science and education for the sustainable development, management and stewardship of Maine’s marine and coastal resources by supporting marine and coastal research, education and outreach via a marine extension team with individuals in coastal communities from Wells to Eastport.
In 2023, Maine Sea Grant’s federal investment of $1.5 million resulted in an economic benefit of $23.5 million, according to a news release. The Maine chapter created or supported 332 local businesses and 565 jobs. Its staff managed 12 industry innovation, research and program development grants.
“Every fishing town in Maine will be affected by this shutdown,” said Gerry Cushman, a Maine fisherman, founding member of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association and a board member of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association.
Photo / Courtesy Maine Fisherman's Association
Fisherman Gerry Cushman said every fishing town will be affected by the program’s shutdown.
He continued, “Sea Grant’s work in Maine includes training young fishermen for opportunities to enter and lead our fishing industry, as well as listening and responding to the needs of our fishing communities.”
“The abrupt termination of Maine Sea Grant funding is a devastating loss for our coastal communities and marine industries, including our fisheries,” said U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine 1st District. “This program has long been a critical partner in supporting working waterfronts, advancing sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries, and preparing for the impacts of climate change.”
The funding cut has left dozens of employees jobless, she said.
In recent years, the program’s works has included a Young Fishermen’s Development Program, activities to prepare coastal communities to address environmental, economic and social and cultural challenges and opportunities, and projects to address the prevention and removal of marine debris in the Gulf of Maine.
Mainebiz web partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments