AUGUSTA (AP) — Supporters say a proposal from Maine American Indian tribes that called for shared management of fishing resources has been defeated.
Bill sponsor Matthew Dana of the Passamaquoddy tribe proposed the bill to allow state regulators to enter into a “memorandum of agreement” about marine resources with four tribes. He says on Monday that the bill is “now dead.” The House and Senate approved a committee’s recommendation against the bill last week.
The Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources voted 9-2 against passage of the bill last month. State officials say regulators and tribes can reach agreement without a bill. Dana was one of two tribal representatives to abandon his seat last month during a deepening conflict between the tribes and state about elver fishing and other issues.
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