"Critical assistance is on its way to nearly 280 Maine fishermen and their families who have lost their jobs as a result of increasingly stringent fishing restrictions," said the Senators in a joint statement. "This grant provides the money the state needs to provide training and supportive services to help get these fishermen back on their feet."
The grant, which was submitted in response to the ongoing groundfish crisis, increased federal harvesting restrictions, and widespread dislocations in the salmon and sardine industries, builds on previous assistance. Since 1995, the Fishing Industry Retraining Project has played a crucial role in helping Maine and New Hampshire fishing communities adjust to the economically devastating consequences of dwindling marine resources and the severe harvesting restrictions intended to protect them.
"Statistics show that for every fisherman who works on the water, there are nearly seven industry-related jobs on shore. The indirect impact of catch reductions affects employees across Maine's economy. This grant will aid fishermen as well as their counterparts on the shore whose livelihoods have been threatened by increased regulations."
The $2.1 million grant, of which $1,014,004 will be released initially, can be used for the following services: outreach, orientation, basic readjustment services, intake, assessment, basic skills training, on-the-job training, occupational classroom training and supportive services, which included child care assistance, transportation assistance, and needs-related payments.