AUGUSTA (AP) — A tribe accused of imperiling a lucrative fishery in Maine is sending a delegation to Augusta to try to meet with state officials.

Passamaquoddy Indians have said they will defy state officials and continue fishing for glass eels in the state’s coastal rivers despite a warning that the governor may shut down the fishery.

Spokesman Newell Lewey said tribal officials hope to have an “honest discussion” with state officials on Wednesday.

State officials said the tribe violated state law by issuing more than 500 licenses to catch the baby eels, known as elvers, which sell for up to $2,000 a pound.

State law enforcement officers confronted tribal fishermen last weekend, but Lewey said the state doesn’t have authority over the tribe on fishing matters.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

filed under: