lobster industry

Published
May 1, 2022

Maine lobstermen fear disaster as new gear regulations take effect

Lobstermen say new requirements for weak ropes and links, designed to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale, will cause gear loss and injuries.
Published
April 20, 2022

NOAA delays enforcement of new lobster gear rules aimed at protecting right whales

The regulations designed to protect the endangered species still will take effect May 1, but the federal government will put off enforcement in light of supply chain issues affecting lobstermen.
Published
April 13, 2022

Maine lawmakers approve bill to limit number of pogie-fishing licenses

Commercial license holders who have not landed the 25,000 pound- threshold in any of the past three years will have through end of this year to catch up and be eligible for a 2023 license.
Published
April 1, 2022

Lobster boats must have tracking devices in federal waters by May 2023

The tracking devices would record the location of the vessel while it is fishing.
Published
April 1, 2022

Are the whales leaving? Gulf of Maine research raises questions about new lobstering rules

The endangered North Atlantic right whale's preferred food source is moving north, out of Maine waters. Lobstermen say the change warrants a second look at new fishing restrictions set to take effect May 1.
Published
March 31, 2022

State launches $16 million grant program for seafood dealers, processors

The program is a component of the governor's Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, investing federal American Rescue Plan Act funds in Maine people and businesses.
Published
March 30, 2022

Maine politicians ask for more time to meet lobstering rules to protect whales

The rules call for gear conversion by May 1, but the new gear isn't available to most fishermen, they said.
Published
March 23, 2022

Lobstermen’s group stresses connection to Maine tourism as new regulations approach

The head of the Maine Lobstermen's Association emphasized at a hospitality industry event Wednesday the threats the industry faces through new regulations and legal challenges.
Published
March 18, 2022

Maine lobster industry fights lawsuit that aims to shut down fishery

The Center for Biological Diversity and others argue new federal restrictions being contested by the industry aren't enough to save endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Published
March 11, 2022

Federal windfall won’t put a stop to state lobster industry relief bills

Maine's lobster industry will receive $17 million in federal funding as part of the 2022 omnibus spending package. Two pending state bills could nearly triple that amount.