PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 1, 2025
The federal government is discontinuing a $4.5 million grant program for Maine Sea Grant, one of the state’s prominent fishery organizations, as one of the first major cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration amid President Donald Trump’s efforts to slash budgets and issue grant restrictions. The move leaves 20 employees and Maine Sea Grant’s programming in limbo. “This notice is devastating for our team and countless partners, the University of Maine and the entire state,” Maine Sea Grant Director Gayle Zydlewski said. Maine Lobstermen’s Association said in a written statement Saturday. “While we appreciate the importance of cutting fraud and waste from government spending, eliminating vital programs like Maine Sea Grant could have a negative impact on both our economy and our environment.”