WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that the University of Maine will receive $229,469 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support its research on the age, growth, and stock composition of Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Northwest Atlantic.

“The University of Maine’s research on the fisheries in the Northwest Atlantic helps us to better understand the condition of Atlantic bluefin tuna and protect this vital resource,” Senator Collins and King said. “NOAA’s investment in this study ensures that researchers will have the resources they need to continue monitoring the Atlantic bluefin tuna stock in the Northwest Atlantic.”

To conduct this study, University of Maine researchers will work in partnership with an extensive network of stakeholders that stretches from Maine to North Carolina and includes dealers as well as commercial and recreational fishermen. Researchers will leverage this network to collect samples and update data on stock growth and composition, which will help to improve important stock assessment models.

NOAA is a scientific agency of the Department of Commerce and provides environmental information and applied environmental research.

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