Maine Lobstering Union Local 207 Executive Liaison and Political Director Virginia Olsen spoke before the U.S. Trade Representative, raising concerns about how the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) affects Maine’s lobstermen. Olsen stated that current rules and enforcement are not equal, placing more restrictions on American lobstermen compared to their Canadian counterparts.
Olsen described that American fishermen must follow stricter conservation, gear, and environmental regulations. She said these measures are taken seriously as part of efforts to sustain the fishery for future generations. However, she noted that in areas like the Gray Zone—a disputed region near Machias Seal Island and North Rock—U.S. fishermen face tighter compliance requirements while enforcement for Canadians is less consistent. According to Olsen, Canada’s decision in 2002 to allow summer lobster fishing in this contested area has added pressure on lobster stocks and increased tensions between fishermen from both countries.
She also pointed out issues with Country of Origin Labeling. Olsen said about 80% of lobster caught in Maine is sent to Canada for processing. Without clear labeling, consumers cannot know where their lobster was caught or processed, which can diminish the reputation of Maine’s product.
Olsen called for the creation of a bilateral committee involving fishermen, dealers, processors, scientists, and regulators from both countries. She argued that the current Canada–U.S. Steering Committee does not include enough representation from those who harvest lobsters and therefore does not fully address their daily challenges.
“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 says it will keep advocating for policies supporting Maine’s fishing heritage and protecting American lobstermen’s jobs under international trade agreements.
The union operates as a division of District 4 within the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), functioning as a cooperative owned by local lobstermen.
