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Maine lobstering group files appeal over new federal rules to protect whales

Maine lobstering group files appeal over new federal rules to protect whales

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


The Maine Lobstermen’s Association has filed an appeal over new federal rules aimed at protecting endangered whales.

According to the Portland Press Herald, the group has appealed a ruling in a suit it brought against federal regulators.

The group claims that faulty science was used to develop new measures for lobstermen, including weakening vertical lines, reducing the number of ropes in the water and seasonal fishery closures.

The appeal comes after a judge rejected the group’s effort to block the new rules.

The measures are intended to protect the North Atlantic right whale from entanglement in fishing gear. However, industry leaders say Maine lobster gear doesn’t pose a threat to the whales. The last right whale entanglement caused by Maine lobster gear was in 2004. There is no record of any fatal whale entanglement attributed to Maine gear.

Gov. Janet Mills on Monday said her administration stands by the Maine Lobstermen’s Association’s decision to appeal the ruling.

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