PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - The U.S. Senate is supporting an amendment to exempt some sea urchins from mandatory inspections in a move touted as a victory for Maine fishermen.
The proposal exempts urchins exported from the U.S. from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mandatory inspections.
U.S. Sen. Angus King, an Independent who supports the amendment, says the requirement is an example of excessive regulation. He says the federal agency requires two days to carry out an inspection, which affects the quality of the perishable urchins.
A similar bill introduced by Maine U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat, and Bruce Poliquin, a Republican, passed the House. Legislators say language will need to be reconciled and pass both houses again.
Maine’s urchin industry employs over 650 people. The urchins are used in Japanese food.
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