"The scale of these red tide closures in both duration and geographic reach, has not been experienced in at least three decades, and this year's massive outbreak struck without warning," wrote the Senators in a joint letter. "We ask that you consider adding the $15 million in emergency funding to the CJS or another appropriations bill, so that the Department of Commerce can channel much-needed economic assistance to our states. Your cooperation will enable state officials to pursue a range of red tide monitoring and unemployment compensation programs for alleviating the red tide's economic impacts on our shellfishermen."
The Senators pointed out that public health monitors in the States of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire have closed a majority of shellfish beds along the New England coast. In some parts of Downeast Maine, several shellfishing areas remain closed, and some previously re-opened areas are again off limits because of red tide. The Governors of Maine and Massachusetts have declared economic disasters for these fisheries. Early estimates suggest that losses will likely exceed $15 million.
"Many shellfishermen, including most of Maine's 2,000 licensed clam diggers, live in remote coastal outposts with limited opportunity to generate alternative income, and now they face great uncertainty about their ability to weather this storm," wrote the Senators.
"Federal assistance could literally be a lifeline for these shellfishermen to help them through these difficult times," said Senator Collins.
Earlier this summer, Senator Collins announced that small businesses in Maine who are adversely affected by red tide will be eligible to apply for federal disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Senator Collins had written to the SBA Administrator and the Director of the regional office that includes Maine, requesting that the agency issue a disaster declaration for the counties where shellfish beds have been closed due to red tide. Senator Collins also met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez to discuss the threat to Maine's shellfish industry and economy caused by red tide, and to appeal for aid from that agency. Following the meeting, the Secretary declared that Maine's shellfish industry is in a state of economic emergency caused by red tide, which opens the door to separate federal funding to assist businesses that are adversely affected.
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