March 29, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

McKernan OKs Soviet venture to process fish> Agreement limits sale of menhaden

AUGUSTA — The state will let one Portland company sell menhaden to a Soviet fish-processing ship this summer, but another Portland company’s request was turned down because of limitations on the amount of menhaden that can be taken, officials said Friday.

Resource Trading Co. and Portland Lobster and Bait Co. had both sought permission to sell 40,000 tons of menhaden to the Soviets, who have spent recent summers buying and processing the fish off the coast of Maine.

But the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which is made up of an alliance of Eastern Seaboard states, has recommended that no more than 38,900 tons of menhaden be taken from the waters this year.

Gov. John R. McKernan went along with a recommendation from Department of Marine Resources Commissioner William J. Brennan and approved just one Soviet joint venture that will allow for the sale of 38,900 tons.

RTC’s application was the one that was approved, because in 1988, the state approved that company’s request to conduct such ventures each year through 1991, Brennan said.

Brennan said Friday he believes the Soviet vessel Riga will handle the menhaden this summer in Casco and Penobscot bays. The pact will provide an “economic opportunity for Maine fishermen,” Brennan said.

During previous years, herring also were processed as part of the joint ventures with the Soviets. Three companies have applied to sell herring to the Soviets, but the state has not yet decided whether to approve the requests.

The state held informational hearings on the proposed herring and menhaden venture at the end of April. Some coastal residents had complained in the past that processing the fish caused an offensive odor that spread for miles, but the state believes the menhaden venture will not produce such problems.

“The pilots approved a new area where it will be able to get the vessels farther away from the coast. We feel we will be able to mitigate any problems encountered in the past,” Brennan said in a telephone interview.

Final authorization for the Soviet menhaden vessel to enter Maine waters must be obtained by RTC from the U.S. Port Security Council in Washington.

A full-time observer will be aboard the ship to ensure compliance with all federal and state environmental rules, Brennan said.


Have feedback? Want to know more? Send us ideas for follow-up stories.

comments for this post are closed

You may also like