F R O M   T H E   C R O W E ’ S   N E S T

Rescued, Restored and Ready



We are amidst the most dramatic economic and rapid social changes that the U.S. and the world may have ever experienced. Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is essential and attainable based on international results to date. Within a month thousands have died, millions of Americans became unemployed and millions of businesses were brought to a standstill.

The Maine seafood industry was particularly hard hit. Over 80% of seafood is consumed in restaurants and food service.

Doing what is known to date to be effective in reducing the spread of the deadly COVID-19 is essential to re-establishing a safe and secure sense of normalcy. At the same time the seafood industry businesses and infrastructure must be kept alive until it really is safe to do business again. Safe beyond a COVID-19 relapse and its uniquely unknown consequences.

A number of organizations and individuals are working on efforts to bring financial support to Maine’s seafood industry. The Maine Lobstermen’s Association has pulled together industry, state, federal and science representatives to secure available support funding. They are also studying the best ways possible to keep fishermen in the business of fishing.

The Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association is gathering expertise and funding sources to help fishermen find alternative markets and marketing to sell their fish. The near overnight disappearance of overseas and domestic markets, as well as infrastructure in some cases, could be slow to recover if adequate support systems are not in place.

The federal Paycheck Protection Program’s first round of $349 billion ran out of money after less than two weeks. The $300 million designated for the fishing industry nationally under the CARES Act remains without a clear statement on how the money will be used.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an enormous life threatening problem with many unknowns, including its ultimate scale. The fishing industry is the economic backbone of Maine’s coastal economy. COVID-19 must be confronted by a well funded, unified federal program staffed by the most qualified medical and science professionals and nothing less.

The Maine seafood industry likewise must have adequate federal funding protected from political skimming before reaching its intended recipients. A rescued, restored and ready Maine seafood industry will continue to return financial and social benefits to New England as it has for generations.