Mercury spoils fishing tradition

Copyright © 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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Growing up along the Maine coast, I remember vividly fishing for bluefish with my father on Casco Bay. We often caught some really large bluefish and stripers. In fact, somewhere in my parent's house, among other forgotten memories, lies a photo of me at 9 years old, holding a bluefish that was taller than I.

My memories are not unique. Up and down the beautiful Maine coastline, fathers and sons woke up early on hot summer mornings and walked down to the town pier or steered their boats for open water, casting their lines into the bay. At sunset, they would triumphantly take home their catch and roast it over a grill or baste it in the oven.

They still rise early and brave the summer heat to catch the big fish. However, now stories of the fish's magnitude must suffice, since they have to throw the fish back. Mainers have not lost their desire to eat bluefish, but rather mercury levels make it impossible. Maine is one of 40 states to have advisories about eating certain fish. The mercury levels in bluefish are so high that pregnant women cannot eat them, because they cause birth defects.

Unfortunately, the problem may get worse. The Bush administration will put forth an energy plan this spring that will create more fossil-fuel-burning power plants, which will emit mercury into the air. Luckily, in Maine we have senators who have stood up for Mainers against mercury pollution and, in the face of opposition, they will protect our Maine way of life again.

Arden Manning

Portland

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