Legislative Update:

Augusta Summary

Maine’s Clammers learned a lot this year. For example, Representative Brian Langley, a restaurant owner hailing from Ellsworth, showed that DMR can develop it’s own regulations for instate shellfish sales when he brought forth LD 447 that will allow Maine shellfisherman to sell directly to retailers starting in January of 2010. Clammers also benefited from LD 1399 originally sponsored by Sen. David Trahan of Waldoboro and then by Rep. Dianne Tilton of Harrington. This Bill was folded into the budget by the Appropriations Committee and provided DMR with three additional staff positions. That legislation prevented a complete shutdown of Maine’s Shellfish Industry by FDA. It was a real achievement to add three positions in the worst State economy in 70 years. Not bad considering the severity of cuts to other State programs.

Truck Law Update

In the hopes of opening up opportunities for clam dealers and encouraging competitive pricing for harvesters, many clammers and dealers fought successfully to require that DMR reinstate rules to allow for the purchase of clams at landing locations. Well it’s officially on the books. Now we’ll have to wait and see if any certified dealers can take advantage of it.

 

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