PORTLAND (AP) – Cruise lines, passengers and crew members spent nearly $31 million in Maine and supported 571 jobs in the state last year, according to a study released Tuesday.

The jobs supported by the cruise industry had an average salary of about $28,300, according to Business Research & Economic Advisors. The survey was commissioned by the International Council of Cruise Lines.

More than 132,000 cruise ship passengers visited a Maine port, representing a 9 percent increase in passenger volume over 2002, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration.

New England proved to be a productive region for cruise passengers as well, contributing 537,839 passengers, or 7 percent, of the nearly 7.5 million North American cruise passengers in 2003, the study said.

Amy Powers, director of the CruiseMaine Coalition, said eight ports and harbors served by cruise ships are becoming important economic generators.

“As our cruise business continues to grow, the local economic benefits in jobs and direct spending will increase accordingly,” she said.