The federal government is discontinuing USD 4.5 million (EUR 4.3 million) in grant funding for the U.S. state of Maine, leaving its Maine Sea Grant program in limbo.
The grant program is a partnership between the federal government and the U.S. state of Maine overseen by the University of Maine System. According to a fact sheet from the university, in 2023, the federal government invested USD 1.5 million (EUR 1.4 million) in a number of coastal programs in Maine which contributed to USD 23.5 million (EUR 22.4 million) in documented economic benefits for the state.
The program runs business development, research, marine science education, and outreach programs in the state, and according to a release by the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association and the Fishing Community Coalition, the fishing community in the state learned of the funding cut on 1 March.
“We are devastated and frankly shocked by this news, knowing the value proposition that Sea Grant offers for our coastal communities and fishing fleets,” Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association Executive Director Ben Martens said. “Maine’s Sea Grant programs actively collaborate with our fishing communities, businesses, and schools to maximize the impact of federal funding and contribute to long-term economic viability in our coastal communities.”
According to the release, the Maine chapter of the program supported 332 local businesses and 565 jobs in the state, along with 12 innovation, research, and program development grants.
“Every fishing town in Maine will be affected by this shutdown. Sea Grant’s work in Maine includes training young fishermen for opportunities to enter and lead our fishing industry, as well as listening and responding to the needs of our fishing communities,” Gerry Cushman, a founding member of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, a fourth-generation Maine fisherman, and a board member on the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, said. “We hope this potentially disastrous decision for Maine’s fishing industry was an oversight that will be corrected swiftly so we can get back to the work of strengthening our industry with our partners at Maine Sea Grant.”
Maine Sea Grant Director Gayle Zydlewski said the funding cut is devastating.
“Thanks to Maine Sea Grant support, Maine’s fishermen, coastal communities, and marine economy are experiencing employment and earnings growth and are increasingly well-positioned to lead and innovate for a more resilient future,” Zydlewski said.
Congressional representatives for the state quickly reacted to the news, and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree said the cut to the grant funding is shortsighted.
“In making these cuts, the [Trump] administration claimed that the work of Maine Sea Grant is ‘no longer relevant.’ This is not only insulting but demonstrates an alarming lack of understanding of the essential role grants and scientific studies play in sustaining our fisheries and coastal economies,” Pingree said.
Pingree also said the decision to cut the grant funding shows that U.S. President Donald Trump has a “personal vendetta” against Maine.
Trump ordered an investigation into the U.S. state of Maine and threatened to cut all federal funding to the state because transgender athletes are allowed to compete in girls’ sports under the state’s laws, the Portland Press Herald reported. The president also got into a public argument with Maine Governor Janet Mills over the state’s stance.
“As has been the case with so many reckless actions this administration has taken, there is little to no information available about the rationale for this funding termination. It seems pretty clear the president now has a personal vendetta against our state and is willing to go to any length to settle the score – no matter how petty and regardless of the toll,” Pingree said.
The U.S. currently has 34 different sea grant programs, and according to reporting by the Maine Morning Star, Maine’s is apparently the only sea grant program facing cuts.
