HALLOWELL, Maine — Maine's new top fisheries official is vowing to grow the economic value of the state's oldest industry, commercial fishing, and the coastal communities that rely on the ocean.
The value of the state's seafood harvest ranges from $350 million to $450 million each year and contributes three or four times that much in economic activity to Maine.
Patrick Keliher, who was sworn in Jan. 26 as the Department of Marine Resources commissioner, thinks those numbers can go up. While protecting the fisheries resources has to be the No. 1 priority — no fish, no fishermen — Keliher more can be done to promote seafood and give fishermen flexibility so they can maximize the value of their catch.
While the value of the catch typically tops $400 million, there is no price tag to measure the industry's value to Maine, he said.
Read the complete interview on CBSNews.com