Debate over extension of Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative centers on ROI and term length
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Summary
LD 2002 would extend the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative through 2031. Supporters argued marketing preserves the Maine lobster brand and stabilizes markets; some harvesters urged a shorter reauthorization, requested an ROI study and proposed redirecting funds toward stock enhancement.
Senator Cameron Rennie presented LD 2002 to extend the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative (MLMC) through Dec. 31, 2031. The Department of Marine Resources and MLMC leadership testified the bill would not change MLMC powers but would extend the collaborative’s authorization for five years.
Carl Wilson, commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources, described the MLMC’s history and funding. He said the collaborative was strengthened in 2013 and surcharges ramped to a peak near $2.2 million annually; current revenues were about $1.7 million due to license attrition. "It is critical that this industry...has a mechanism to promote its product, protect its brand, and buffer it against changing market conditions," Wilson said.
MLMC Executive Director Mary Anne Lacroix provided performance figures, citing broad reach for marketing campaigns, increased menu penetration and an average price premium for Maine lobster. She described MLMC’s crisis response in 2022 when certification questions arose around right whales and the collaborative’s outreach to dealers and buyers.
Multiple industry groups endorsed reauthorization. Brian Langley, MLMC board chair, John Hathaway (processor and restaurateur), the Maine Lobstermen’s Association and community development groups emphasized the brand and economic benefits. Several speakers urged better transparency and accountability: Representative Tiffany Stroud and others asked for clarity on statutory powers and fund allocations; Lacroix and Commissioner Wilson agreed to provide budget details for the committee work session.
But several harvesters and advisory council members asked for a shorter renewal to force industry engagement. John Druen (Zone A chair) proposed a one‑year reauthorization and suggested reallocating $500,000 of collaborative funds in 2026–27 to stock enhancement programs. Virginia Olsen (Lobster Union Local 207 / advisory council) advocated a two‑year amendment to allow a new board to implement changes and measure effect.
The committee did not take final action on LD 2002 at this hearing; members asked DMR and MLMC to provide budget breakdowns and to be prepared to discuss measurable ROI and program metrics at work session.