KENNEBUNK - Following a Maine Department of Marine Resources notice Tuesday that it is closing the northern portion of the Penobscot River to lobster and crab fishing due to mercury contamination, the Maine Lobsterman’s Association issued a statement in support of the two-year closure.

“The Maine Lobstermen's Association supports the two-year closure of a very small area in the Penobscot River to lobster and crab fishing as a precautionary measure, pending a state investigation to more fully understand the potential impact of mercury contamination in the river,” said the press release Wednesday morning.

The DMR, acting on recent information about the presence of mercury in muscle tissue of lobsters, announced a limited closure of the Penobscot River, extending from Fort Point in Stockton Springs  to Wilson Point in Castine and going north up the river. The closure, effective Feb. 22, will initially be in effect for two years, during which time further collaborative sampling and testing of lobsters and crabs will be conducted by various state agencies.

"The monitoring will be conducted in and adjacent to the closed area and will evaluate the accumulation of contaminants," said DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher in the notice Tuesday. "We will decide, after two years, whether or not to re-open the area or to continue the closure."

Keliher said that the closure are to harvesting for both commercial and recreational fishermen was a “precautionary approach that protects public health and ensures consumer confidence that eating Maine lobster is safe and healthy” while the DMR conducts its own monitoring effort to build on the new data.

In its press release, the MLA said that research conducted by outside interests had detected the presence of mercury in sediments and in some marine organisms in a small area of the Penobscot River.

“According to the Maine Centers for Disease Control, mercury levels are similar to those found in canned white tuna,” said the MLA.

"Maine lobster is the best seafood in the world – it is sweet, succulent and delicious. This small closure ensures that consumers can feel confident that Maine lobster is a safe and healthy meal for all to enjoy," said Patrice McCarron, MLA's executive director.

Related links:

• Mercury contamination closes northern portion of Penobscot River to lobster and crab fishing

• DMR: Penobscot River Area Closure FAQ

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or 706-6655.