AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine lawmakers are getting ready to consider if they will endorse a request from American Indian tribes to co-manage the state's lucrative commercial fisheries.
The Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources is set to meet Wednesday to discuss a bill backed by the tribes. Passamaquoddy Tribe legislative Rep. Matthew Dana says his bill would allow for cooperative management of species such as lobsters, clams and elvers.
Democratic Rep. Walter A. Kumiega says some lawmakers believe the state could reach agreement with the tribes without passing a law. The full Legislature would need to pass such a law after it gets out of committee.
The effort from four tribes to have more of a voice in fishery management stems from recent squabbles between tribe members and state regulators over elver fishing.