ASSOCIATED PRESS • March 19, 2025
Commercial fishermen and seafood processors and distributors looking to switch to new, lower-carbon emission systems say the federal funding they relied on for this work is either frozen or unavailable due to significant budget cuts promoted by President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency. The changes are designed to replace outdated systems and are touted by environmentalists as a way to reduce seafood’s carbon footprint. Fishermen affected by the cuts described the situation as chaotic and confusing. Scallop distributors in Maine are among those who say their federal commitments have been rescinded or are under review. “The uncertainty. This is not a business-friendly environment,” said Togue Brawn, a Maine seafood distributor who said she is out tens of thousands of dollars. “If they want to make America great again, then honor your word.”