Maine Lobstering Union Local 207 Executive Liaison and Political Director Virginia Olsen spoke before the U.S. Trade Representative, urging federal officials to address what she described as long-standing inequities in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that negatively affect Maine’s lobstermen and their communities.
Olsen pointed out that American lobstermen are subject to stricter conservation, gear, and environmental regulations compared to their Canadian counterparts. She stated these rules are enforced more rigorously on the U.S. side, creating an uneven playing field for American fishermen.
The issue is especially apparent in the Gray Zone, a 277-square-mile area near Machias Seal Island and North Rock in the Gulf of Maine. Here, both Americans and Canadians fish in close proximity. Olsen noted that while Americans face strict enforcement, Canadian regulation is inconsistent. She referenced Canada’s 2002 decision to allow summer lobster fishing in this contested area as a factor that has increased resource pressure and conflict.
Olsen also addressed concerns about Country of Origin Labeling. She said about 80% of lobster caught in Maine is shipped to Canada for processing. Without clear labeling requirements, consumers cannot determine where their lobster was sourced or processed, which she argued undermines the value of Maine’s product.
In her remarks, Olsen called for the creation of a bilateral committee including fishermen, dealers, processors, scientists, and regulators from both countries. She criticized the current Canada–U.S. Steering Committee for lacking representation from harvesters and not reflecting fishermen’s experiences.
“Our fishermen uphold some of the strongest conservation standards in the world, but they cannot continue to operate on an uneven playing field,” said Olsen. “To protect this fishery and the communities that depend on it, we need fairness, transparency, and a process that includes the people who know the resource best.”
IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan added: “For generations, Maine’s lobstermen have cared for this resource and built a world-class fishery through skill, sacrifice, and stewardship. The USMCA must work for working families, not against them. The IAM Union will continue fighting to ensure our fishermen compete on equal terms and that their livelihoods are protected.”
The Maine Lobstering Union reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies aimed at protecting Maine’s fishing heritage and supporting trade agreements that do not harm working families involved in one of America’s unique industries.
The union is part of District 4 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and operates as a cooperative owned by Maine lobstermen.
