PORTLAND, Maine — While Maine was spared the widespread destruction wrought by Sandy, the superstorm has been devastating to the state’s seafood industry.
Peter McAleney, owner of New Meadows Lobster Co. in Portland, says distributors and restaurants in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and even Pennsylvania aren’t buying.
He tells The Portland Press Herald he lost a big order from Pennsylvania because a customer decided he wouldn’t sell much lobster to thousands of people who don’t have electricity.
Chris Fream, senior sales executive with North Atlantic Seafood in Portland, says the “wheels are falling off” the industry.
He says many restaurants don’t have power and those that do aren’t buying seafood because there’s little demand.
While fishermen and distributors are suffering, the good news is that consumers will see lower prices.