Salmon football, again

Here we ago again. The feds are proposing to list the Penobscot Atlantic salmon population under the Endangered Species Act and the state says the sky is falling and threatens to avoid cooperating with the feds.

All that is needed now are experts from away to question the science behind the listing and scare people into thinking they’ll lose their jobs. No matter that economics has nothing to do with listing under the ESA. Another long, drawn-out lawsuit might be a good idea too; it sure paid off the last time.

For the state to cry foul and act as if something new is being proposed here is simply preposterous. Staff biologists from state and federal agencies work hand-in-hand on the Penobscot on a daily basis. Any reputable biologist involved in the program has known for years that it was a huge mistake to omit the Penobscot population years ago, and that it was only a matter of time before the Penobscot would be added to the DPS [Distinct Population Segment].

Now it is clear to this observer why the state quietly abolished the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission last winter (no public hearing, no input from the public required, thank you). By putting the salmon people under the control of the Department of Marine Resources, the experts can be effectively controlled by the governor (and congressional delegation) on a very short administrative leash.

Unfortunately, Maine’s Atlantic salmon resource (a national treasure) is about to become a political football again. And it is so completely unnecessary.

Ed Baum

Hermon