SENATOR COLLINS MEETS WITH US COMMERCE SECRETARY, DISCUSSES RED TIDE THREAT TO MAINE’S CRITICAL SHELLFISH INDUSTRY

WASHINGTON, DC—US Senator Susan Collins today met in her Washington, DC office with US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and discussed the threat to Maine's shellfish industry and economy caused by red tide. Earlier this week, Senator Collins joined with the rest of the Maine delegation in supporting Governor Baldacci's declaration that Maine's shellfish industry is in a state of economic emergency. Such a declaration opens the door to federal funding to assist businesses affected by red tide.

In their meeting, Senator Collins expressed the urgency of this matter and encouraged the Secretary to immediately declare that Maine is in a state of economic emergency. The Department of Commerce today declared that Massachusetts' shellfish industry is in a state of economic emergency caused by red tide. But Maine was not included in this declaration.

In addition, Senator Collins expressed the need for further research on red tide to determine how Maine and other coastal regions can minimize the devastating effects of red tide in the future.

"Red tide has a profound effect on Maine's shellfish industry, which generates $75 million for our state each year. This toxic algae is forcing closure of many shellfish beds for several weeks, causing great economic hardship for businesses that harvest clams, oysters, and mussels," said Senator Collins.

"To make matters worse, news of red tide is also causing many to unnecessarily avoid seafood that is safe and not affected by red tide further exacerbating this problem," added Senator Collins.

She pointed out that shellfish—even that which could be affected by red tide—if purchased in a restaurant or market, is safe because they come from water that has been tested for contamination. The perception in Maine and elsewhere however, that many types of shellfish could be unsafe, is causing many to stay away from purchasing and eating shellfish. This is particularly devastating during the summer months, which is the height of the tourist season in Maine.

"This year's outbreak of red tide is the worst experienced by New England in over three decades. This could have a devastating and lasting impact on our economy and it is imperative that affected businesses have access to resources to help them through these difficult times," Senator Collins told Secretary Gutierrez.

The Secretary told Senator Collins that he would carefully consider Senator Collins' concerns and closely review Maine's request for a declaration of an economic emergency in the shellfish industry.

Red tide is caused by blooms of a microscopic algae, which can concentrate in filter-feeding shellfish, and be toxic to those who consume contaminated shellfish. To avoid harvesting unhealthy or potentially poisonous shellfish, harvesters must cease operating for several weeks to months.

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