Commercial fishermen and seafood processors are struggling to decarbonize operations as federal funding, crucial for projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions, is unavailable due to budget cuts from President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency. Fishermen across the U.S. are facing uncertainty and financial losses, needing substantial investment for eco-friendly upgrades. With significant emissions from fishing and worsening climate conditions, the urgency for transitioning to lower-carbon technologies is highlighted. However, the targeted cuts to vital agencies leave many in the industry at a standstill, unable to move forward with necessary changes to combat climate change.
"The uncertainty. This is not a business-friendly environment," said Togue Brawn, a Maine seafood distributor who said she is out tens of thousands of dollars. "If they want to make America great again, then honor your word and tell people what's going on."
Decarbonization of the fishing fleet has been a target of environmental activists in recent years. One study published in the Marine Policy journal states that more than 200 million tons of carbon dioxide were released via fishing in 2016.
With Earth experiencing worsening storms and its hottest year on record in 2024, reducing the burning of fossil fuels across different industry sectors is critical to fighting climate change, scientists have said.
But climate-friendly projects often cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, leading fishermen to seek U.S. Department of Agriculture or Environmental Protection Agency funds to cover some costs. DOGE, a commission assembled to cut federal spending, has targeted both agencies for cutbacks.
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