On January 10, the Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) and its supporting intervenors filed final briefs in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The MLA is appealing D.C. District Court Judge … Continue reading
U.S. Federal Laws Create Complex Path for Lobster Fishery
The United States has some of the most stringent environmental protection laws in the world. Those laws, which ensure we have clean water and air, also ensure that plant and animal species are protected for … Continue reading
Maine Officials Go On Defense Regarding Whale Rules
During July Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Congressional delegation expressed strong opposition to the mandate from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requiring additional right whale protections. In April, states with commercial lobster fisheries … Continue reading
Jambalaya, Lively Tunes Spice Up MLA Fundraiser
Bowen’s Tavern in Belfast was the destination for lobstermen and lobster lovers on Saturday April 6th for an evening to raise money for the Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) Legal Defense Fund. A crowd of hungry … Continue reading
Steaming Ahead – May 2019
There is a lot of buzz right now around the docks, in coffee shops and on Facebook about what the new whale measures will mean for Maine. Most lobstermen have understood since last year that … Continue reading
Steaming Ahead: How Do We Plan for the Future?
The million-dollar questions on lobstermen’s minds seem to be, “What do I need to do to prepare for the 2019 fishing season? Will there be new whale regulations to contend with, and what is the … Continue reading
Federal Observer Coverage required in Maine Lobster Fishery
Published in Landings, June, 2015. Everyone is aware that groundfish vessels must carry fisheries observers aboard to collect data on the catch. But did you know that observers are assigned to lobster boats as well? … Continue reading
Lobstermen say no to closures and gear marking
First published in Landings, September, 2013. Approximately 100 Maine lobstermen attended a series of four meetings held in Machias, Ellsworth, Rockland and Portland held by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in August. NMFS updated … Continue reading
Draft vertical line rule released: Public meetings scheduled for August
First published in Landings, August, 2013. NMFS proposes to amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. The proposed rule revises the management measures for reducing the incidental mortality and serious injury to North Atlantic … Continue reading
Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance: Finding ways to keep whales out of vertical lines
First published in Landings, June, 2013. One of the major regulatory issues facing lobstermen in New England is the imminent promulgation by the National Fisheries Service of new rules regarding entanglement of endangered whales in … Continue reading