On Feb. 28, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) abruptly terminated funding for the Maine Sea Grant, a program that has supported research, planning, education and outreach efforts that serve as a strong foundation for our state’s coastal economy and the many communities that rely on it. 

There are 34 coastal and Great Lakes states that receive Sea Grant funding, and Maine was the only one targeted in this way. This loss of funding would have devastating impacts on our fisheries and working waterfronts, but make no mistake: the economic effects will ripple across all of Maine. 

While NOAA has since announced that it has agreed to “renegotiate” the terms of the Maine Sea Grant, its future remains in doubt.  

Tell the Trump administration: Fully restore the Maine Sea Grant now! Anything less will have devastating, senseless and potentially irreparable impacts on our fishing industry and our state’s economy.