The unnecessary closure of our clam industry was totally avoidable and the state’s lack of notification to the industry is to blame.

As a result we in the industry have lost thousands of dollars, lost business to Canadian competition, upset the buyers who depend on us for a reliable supply of seafood. We also have spent money and time calling NMFS and the state to get help so that we could keep fishing.

This is a crisis to the many clam fishermen and seafood workers of Eastern Maine who are already dealing with high fuel prices and jittery markets.

Rob Bauer

Blue Hill