WASHINGTON – U.S Sen. Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, on Tuesday expressed concern about Monday’s closure of the Great Eastern Mussel Farm in Tenants Harbor and vowed to help those who lost their jobs.

The 30-year-old company eliminated 40 full-time jobs in the closure, which it blamed on increased competition from Canadian mussel companies and rising energy costs.

“The closure of the Great Eastern Mussel Farm is a significant loss for the communities of St. George and Tenants Harbor, and for Maine’s historical and greatly valued fishing industry,” Snowe said in a statement. “The … Knox County region will feel the strain of this closing and I pledge my support to the Great Eastern Mussel Farm employees and their families. Members of my staff have reached out to town and company officials to offer assistance and we will explore the possibility of Trade Adjustment Assistance for the displaced workers.”