Lobster is Big in Maine Where Much of the Tourist Industry Income Depends on its Ample Supply.

Patrice McCarren, Executive Director of Maine Lobstermen’s Association issued the following statement today in response to NOAA’s statement issued earlier in the day and the subject of the previous post herein today:

“MLA is relieved that NOAA has finally listened to lobstgermen, the state and our Congressional delegation, that despite lobstermen’s best efforts, lobstermen are unable to meet the deadline.  The new rules are very confusing to fishermen which is why MLA has widely distributed a comprehensive outreach guide to help them better understand what they need to do.

Some complied and had products recalled, others have complied and had devices fail and many more have nodtd been able to secure the materials they need.  Lobstermen are still frustrated that NOAA is not allowing the use of knots determined by the State of Maine to meet the requirements of the rule and could be readily implemented with existing gear.

“The fact remains that the ten-year whale plan is based on flawed science and will not help protect the right whale.  That is why we are suing to force the government to come up with a valid plan that will protect the whales and the future of Maine’s lobster fishery.”

Please see previous herein  on NOAA’s statement on the request of Maine political leaders and what the feds are willing to do.