A letter published Tuesday asked: “Why do lobstermen assume state will pay for their fight?” (April 4)

They don’t. The proposed legislation to which the writer refers would simply move some money that lobstermen already pay in state licensing fees, intended for national and international marketing efforts, into the legal fight against federal rules that threaten to decimate the entire fishery. In other words, it’s their money.

However, it’s extremely short-sighted to assume that taxpayers statewide shouldn’t share some responsibility in ensuring the future of Maine’s lobster industry. Our lobster industry is the second largest fishery in the country and accounts for the majority of the value of Maine’s commercial fisheries. About 4,800 licensed lobstermen, each is an individual small-business owner, support 12,000 jobs on the water and at least 5,000 more in the supply chain.

In 2021, Maine lobstermen landed more than $700 million of lobster at the dock, nearly all of which is spent locally, generating more than $1 billion in revenue, and supporting local businesses, banks and town budgets – all of which are fueled by “lobster dollars.”

So why should the state help pay for the lobstermen’s fight? That’s easy. Because it is an investment in preserving a future for Maine’s fishing industry, our coastal communities and our heritage.

Amber-Jean Nickel
chief operating officer, Maine Lobstermen’s Association
Kennebunk

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