U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has announced progress in securing funding and legislative language to support Maine’s lobster industry. This initiative is part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the bill, which will now be reviewed by the full Senate and House.
“This funding would support Maine’s lobster industry by improving the incomplete and imprecise science and research upon which the federal government relies,” said Senator Collins. “As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
Key allocations include $30 million for Right Whale research through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and $80 million for the National Sea Grant Program. This comes after a push from Senator Collins led to a renegotiation of terms for Maine Sea Grant by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.
Additional provisions include $2 million for American lobster research via Maine Sea Grant and directives for NOAA to collaborate with Canadian and state fisheries on a management plan in the Gray Zone.
Senator Collins also secured over $73 million for projects in Maine through this appropriations bill, including $1 million to expand a survey at the University of Maine.
This advancement allows further consideration of the bill by both legislative chambers.
