Something fishy

You don’t have to be a Maine fisherman or a Maine senator to be outraged by the new line-up for the New England Fisheries Management Council. Anyone with a functioning sense of smell can detect the unmistakable odor of political spoils.

For 22 years, practically since its inception, representation on the policy-making board has reflected the size and economic importance of commercial and recreational fishing in each of the four member states: Massachusetts had five seats; Maine had four; Rhode Island three; and New Hampshire two. Even though the fishing industries in Massachusetts and Maine are vastly larger than the other two (more than 20 times larger than New Hampshire), this apportionment at least approximated the concept of one fisherman, one vote.

Until last week. That’s when the U.S. Department of Commerce decided that New Hampshire, with 11 miles of coastline and a $13-million fishing industry, should have three seats. So, Commerce decided, should Maine, with 3,500 miles of coast and a $273 million industry.

At any time, this skewing of representation would be suspect. At this time — with the New Hampshire primary looming, with Democrat Gov. Jean Shaheen continuing her “undecided” act regarding an endorsement, with New Hampshire’s long tradition of using its first-in-the-nation status to collect favors — it absolutely reeks.

Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe both are irate and both are urging — make that demanding — that Commerce Secretary William Daley reverse this decision. Sen. Snowe, chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans and Fisheries, is especially offended at getting mugged in her own backyard. She bluntly, and only semi-facetiously, says Maine needs to hold an earlier primary.

The state-by-state composition of the council is no small matter. Maine’s fishery, unlike the others, is predominantly family-owned small boats supporting small communities. Maine’s delegates to the council consistently have been more conservation-minded, as recent battles over cod have demonstrated. The more conservation-minded approach to lobstering gaining hold throughout the reion proves the importance of Maine’s voice.

Buying votes and endorsements with patronage is an unfortunate part of politics. While the Clinton administration did not invent the practice of doling out pre-election favors, it has elevated it to an art form. Secretary Daley should cancel this particular goody. If not, and if future presidential candidates find themselves slogging around Maine in February, it will be on his head.