Recently, I read that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association has released troubling data that will affect Maine’s coastal fishing.
John Upton, writing Jan. 13 for the research organization Climate Central, found that in 2010, one Gulf of Maine fisherman “was allowed to land about 60,000 pounds of cod. This year, following a population crash linked to warming waters, his limit was set at a meager 3,700 pounds.”
This is because the oceans are absorbing the heat trapped by greenhouse gases, and the Gulf of Maine is warming at an exceptional pace. This is bad news for Maine and its economy, especially since we have an economy based so largely on tourism and fishing around and on the coast.
The number of cod cited by Upton and the information that followed can be emotional and frightening for many Mainers.
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King have supported the Clean Power Plan, our nation’s only nationally consistent plan to reduce carbon emissions. Our state needs their continued leadership because reducing carbon emissions now is the only way to reverse the harmful effects that climate change has already produced on us here in Maine.
Supporting the Clean Power Plan is the only way to ensure that Maine’s beaches and wildlife can be preserved for future generations of Mainers.
Andrew LaVogue
Portland
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