The Maine Sea Grant program, which saw its funding pulled by the U.S. federal government, has regained its funding after an outcry from the industry and the state’s congressional declaration.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump killed the funding for Maine Sea Grant – a partnership between the federal government and the U.S. state of Maine overseen by the University of Maine system – on 28 February. According to the university, in 2023, the program converted USD 1.5 million (EUR 1.4 million) in federal funding into USD 23.5 million (EUR 21.7 million) in economic benefits for the state.
According to the Portland Press Herald, the funding resumed after a meeting between U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Senator Susan Collins.
“I appreciate the Secretary’s willingness to work together to ensure that Maine Sea Grant can continue to conduct research, support a robust pipeline of skilled labor, and ensure that our coastal economies remain profitable hubs for fishermen, lobstermen, and hospitality workers,” Collins’ office said in an email. “It is important that Maine Sea Grant can continue to provide valuable services for communities across the state for years to come.”
Maine Representative Chellie Pingree and Maine Senator Angus King both immediately decried the funding cut, which killed a four-year, USD 4.5 million (EUR 4.2 million) funding agreement to the program. Both sent a letter to Lutnick pushing him, and NOAA, to immediately reverse the decision.
“This decision, which abruptly cuts off over five decades of successful partnership, will have devastating consequences for Maine’s coastal communities, economy, and marine industries,” Pingree and King wrote. “Maine Sea Grant is an invaluable resource that has supported research, workforce development, and economic growth in our state’s coastal regions.”
The decision to cut funding to the Maine Sea Grant program was unique, as it is just one of 34 different Sea Grant programs nationally – and was also the only one to have its funding cut.
Organizations in Maine welcomed the decision to resume funding.
“Maine Sea Grant is a valuable pillar of Maine’s seafood economy,” Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association Executive Director Ben Martens said. “We appreciate Sen. Susan Collins for working swiftly with the Trump administration as well as Sen. Angus King and Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden to reinstate federal funds for our hardworking industry partners and colleagues.”
According to the Fishing Communities Coalition, in 2023, the program either created or supported 332 local businesses and 565 jobs in the state.
