Maine’s Salmon Getting ‘Endangered’ Listing?

Maine’s Atlantic Salmon population has been decreasing in significant numbers over the last few years.  A new initiative to get maine’s Atlantic salmon listed as endangered has sparked many of the same debates that surround wildlife in other corridors of our country.  The pros and cons of such a listing were recently aired out in the first of two meetings between the federal government and Maine residence.

The areas being discussed for protection include three rivers that are known to support the paper and pulp industry of Maine. Advocates from Maine’s paper and pulp industry say that an endangered listing could force them out of business, while proponents for the listing say that the Atlantic salmon species has reached a critical point of survival.  Fishermen, while not siding with one side or the other, say that a lesser control of listing the species as ‘threatened’ may be a better option for all involved.

A second meeting will be taking place on this issue where those that attended the first are hoping for a better turnout and more input from the public.  For more information on this issue and follow-up updates, please visit the Foster’s Daily Democrat.