Latest Lobsters News
New whale rules take effect, but enforcement still to come
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — New lobster fishing rules intended to protect a rare species of whale are now in effect, but enforcement has yet to begin. The rules are designed to protect the North Atlantic right whale, which numbers less than 340 in the world and is vulnerable to lethal...
NOAA acknowledges shortage of gear to protect whales
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The federal government is acknowledging that supply chain issues will prevent all lobstermen from having gear needed to protect North Atlantic right whales before a May 1 deadline. The rules will still go into effect on that date, but the National Oceanic and...
Lobster boats must have tracking devices in federal waters
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Regulators are going to require lobster boats operating in federal waters to have tracking devices next year. The American Lobster Management Board voted Thursday to require lobstermen who fish far offshore in federal waters to transmit data showing their...
Maine politicians ask for time to comply with whale rules
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine's congressional delegation and governor said Wednesday that the state's lobster fishermen need more time to comply with new rules designed to protect rare whales. The rules are designed to protect North Atlantic right whales, which number less than 340...
Abandoned lobster traps in Long Island Sound to be removed
Two decades after Connecticut's lobster industry collapsed, federal funding has been approved to begin removing some of the hundreds of thousands of derelict lobster traps left on the floor of the Long Island Sound, a “ghost fishery" that continues to trap and kill marine life to this day. ...
Lobstermen to get federal help to comply with whale rules
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A funding package approved by federal lawmakers includes more than $17 million to help the lobster fishing industry adjust to new rules designed to protect rare whales. The money is part of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill passed by...
Maine pols call for grant program to help with lobster rules
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The members of Maine's congressional delegation are calling for the creation of a federal grant program to help the lobster industry cope with new rules designed to save whales. Federal authorities have implemented new restrictions on lobster harvesting in...
Baby lobster numbers low off New England as waters warm
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — New data show the population of baby lobsters off New England is below average, raising concerns about the size of future commercial hauls of the valuable crustaceans as waters warm. The baby lobsters settle at the bottom of the ocean, take shelter, and grow....
Regulators delay action on trackers for lobster boats
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Regulators will be taking up a plan to require lobstermen to install electronic trackers on their boats this spring. The American Lobster Management Board discussed the plan this week before deciding more time is needed to evaluate the issues. ...
Maine lawmakers vote against lobstering defense fund idea
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Maine legislative committee has voted against a proposal to create a legal defense fund to help the state's lobster fishing industry fight new restrictions. The Maine Legislature’s Committee on Marine Resources voted against the idea on Tuesday. The fund...
