In the News | April 2025

Canada concerned about Chinese, American tariffs

As new tariffs from China take effect, the price of Canadian lobsters is poised to drop sharply Canadian exporters slash prices to keep up their shipments to the enormous Chinese market, industry insiders said. China instituted a 25% tariff on Canadian aquatic products and pork in mid-March in response to the country’s October 2024 tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel and aluminum. The U.S. also plans to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian seafood exports on April 2.

Photo by T. Yoder, MCCF.

New program brings health care to fishermen

A new health care program specifically for fisherman called Healthy Harvesters began in March. The program is a partnership between Stonington and independent organizations including the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety, the Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries and the Opiate-Free Island Partnership. The Healthy Harvesters program sprang from a survey of 54 of fishermen in Stonington and Vinalhaven. In Stonington, major health concerns reported by fishermen were substance use, drinking, mental health, and stress, along with musculoskeletal problems. Half of respondents had back pain, and a third had joint problems. Stacey Roberts, Health Harvesters’ nurse, will work with fishermen’s schedules, which are based on good fishing days. Roberts’ services, including blood pressure checks and cholesterol screenings, are free. She can also help create a health plan, fill out forms, get referrals and appointments, navigate care for those without insurance or find self-pay options.

Keeping an ear out for whales

Two new high-tech buoys designed to detect the sounds of migrating whales were deployed last month in Cape Cod Bay and off Cape Ann through a partnership between the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. They are part of a larger East Coast network of buoys that record the vocalizations of whales, including endangered right whales, in the region. Data from the buoys is sent back to shore every two hours, which will inform management decisions about fishing restrictions, speed limits for boats and other conservation measures. 

Maine Offshore Wind Research Array on Hold

On March 28, the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) announced it had suspended negotiations on a power purchase agreement with Pine Tree Offshore Wind, the company responsible for developing the Maine Offshore Wind Research Array. According to the MPUC, Pine Tree Offshore Wind had “requested that the negotiation of the Contract be paused due to recent shifts in the energy landscape that have in particular caused uncertainty in the offshore wind industry.”

Lobster Economic Survey to Begin in April

The Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries (MCCF), in partnership with the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, is conducting a survey of Maine lobstermen (all zones and Area 1). The survey data will be used to examine the potential impact of fluctuations in prices for supplies such as gear, bait, fuel, and other expenses. This data will help the industry understand how these price changes might affect commercial lobstermen and how best to help the industry deal with these changes. The survey can be done online or by phone and should only take about 20 minutes of time.  Name and permit number will never be associated with responses in any way. All of responses will be kept anonymous, even from research team. The survey will be available at www.MElobstersurvey.com.