ST. GEORGE, Maine — June 23, 2014 — A November bond referendum would dedicate $7 million in public money to Maine seafood and lobster processing.
The Canadian Maritimes have long dominated the lobster processing industry, but Maine officials are hoping an upcoming bond referendum will allow the state to claw back the revenue, taxes and jobs it has been sending north of the border for years.
Maine’s lobster processing industry, virtually nonexistent a quarter century ago, has grown steadily in recent years, and state officials are taking notice. In 2013, Maine lobstermen caught 126 million pounds of lobster and Canada received nearly 60 million pounds from the state for processing. Industry officials say they need more money and manpower to ensure the state can compete.
“There’s a multiplying effect because if the product is produced in Maine, then it’s generating work and dollars and taxes,” said Luke Holden, owner of Cape Seafood in Saco.
The November bond referendum would dedicate $7 million in public money to Maine seafood and lobster processing. Sen. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, said he threw his support behind the referendum after meeting with lobster industry workers, who told him the biggest barrier to adding value to Maine’s lobster industry is the state’s lack of processors.