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U.S Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) Ranking Member on the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, today issued the following statement, pledging her support for Maine’s embattled lobster industry:
"Our lobstermen, the lifeblood of many coastal communities, are facing prices which have fallen to levels not seen in decades, precisely at the peak of the lobster season, when many fishermen would typically earn the bulk of their annual income. Coupled with the record high costs for fuel and bait they have battled all summer, and the looming Federal mandate to replace much of their rope to protect endangered whales, this shock could lead to serious disruptions in fishermen’s lives. They are feeling the effects of a global economic crisis on a truly local scale. I will explore every option available to help our hard-working lobstermen protect their livelihoods from the fallout from conditions far beyond their control."