WASHINGTON – The Maine Department of Marine Resources will receive $332,455 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to expand scientists’ knowledge of the Maine lobster and groundfish fisheries, according to U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe. The grant builds on cooperative efforts between the Maine and New Hampshire fishing industries.

“I am encouraged NOAA is continuing to pursue this approach with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, and expect researchers will make great progress in identifying ways to preserve and study our state’s fisheries,” said Snowe, ranking member on the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere and Fisheries. “By examining both the lobster and groundfish fisheries during the summer and winter seasons, the studies encouraged by these NOAA grants will help us better understand the fishery, the success of sustainable fishery efforts, and help develop better more effective management techniques.”