Red tide threatens the livelihood of thousands of shellfish harvesters along the Maine coast
 

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today voiced the urgent need to address red tide, the harmful algae bloom that threatens the livelihood of thousands of Maine shellfish harvesters.  Pingree, a cosponsor of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009, managed opening debate on the bill, which the House passed today.
 
“Maine has been particularly hard hit in recent years as red tide comes to our shores with greater frequency and intensity. Local economies have lost tens of millions of dollars at a time when every dollar counts,” said Pingree.  “We need to support the state’s shellfish harvesters by improving our knowledge of red tide and our ability to forecast them.”
 
Over 2,000 harvesters and dealers in Maine depend on access to healthy shellfish beds to make their living and support their families, bringing $50 million to coastal communities every year.   Shellfish are also an important component of the state’s tourist industry.
 
But harmful algae blooms like red tide are becoming an increasing problem in the state.  Last summer, a severe red tide closed 98 percent of the state’s shellfish beds, with similar outbreaks in 2005 and 2008.  Predictions for 2010 are that it may be an even worse year for Maine—a recent NOAA report found that the cysts causing red tide are now at some of the highest levels ever measured.
 
The legislation passed today will establish a national strategy to address harmful algae blooms, coordinate state and federal efforts, and identify research priorities.  Maine Senator Olympia Snowe is the author of companion legislation in the Senate.
 
“In these hard economic times, the income Maine families bring in from the mudflats is especially crucial,” said Pingree.  “This bill takes much-needed steps to managing red tide on a regional level so we can limit the impact it has on our shellfish and tourist industries.”