Collins, Poliquin ensure continued U.S. lobster exports to Europe

Maine’s congressional delegation succeeded in advocating against a proposed European Union (EU) ban on lobster imports from the United States on Friday.

The European Commission Committee on Invasive Alien Species announced that it would not pursue listing American lobster as an invasive species across the U.N., signaling victory for U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) and the rest of Maine’s congressional delegation.

“We are thrilled that the European Union listened to our concerns and will not list American lobster as an invasive species,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “Since the import ban was requested by Sweden earlier this year, we repeatedly urged the European Union to reject the proposal, which would have had serious negative effects on thousands of hardworking Mainers who earn a living through the lobster industry.”

The lawmakers took up the cause in March, urging Secretary of State John Kerry, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency Administrator Kathryn Sullivan to “engage in immediate efforts to ensure the continuation of safe and responsible import of live Maine lobster.”

“We are pleased that the European Commission took into account the firm scientific evidence as well as the consequences this harmful proposal could have had on the $200 million lobster trade and the thousands of Maine jobs that rely on it,” the lawmakers said.