News

NOAA Eyes Expanding Reporting Rules for Lobstermen

NOAA Eyes Expanding Reporting Rules for Lobstermen

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


PORTLAND, Maine (AP)   Federal fishing managers are asking for comments about potential changes to the way the U.S.’s lucrative lobster fishing industry is monitored.

The American lobster fishery is based in New England and is worth hundreds of millions of dollars every year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is looking to craft new rules about the way fishermen report their catch.

The NOAA is considering a recommendation to require all federal lobster permit holders to report on catches for each fishing trip. It’s also looking at expanding its own offshore sampling program.

The agency’s collecting comments on the possibility of new reporting requirements until July 16. Changes would be made through a future rulemaking process.

Maine lobstermen harvested more than 110 million pounds of lobster last year, which was down from 2016.

Latest Headlines

3 hours ago in Local

Ripley Fire Being Investigated as Arson and Vehicle Theft

The Fire Marshall says the case is being investigated as a vehicle theft connected to arson.

4 hours ago in Local

Man Rescued While Sinking in Coastal Mud in Brunswick

Police say Matthew Alexander got stuck in the mud and couldn’t get back to shore.

5 hours ago in Local

Arrest related to South Portland shooting prompts lockdown at Gorham schools

Gorham schools were placed in "secure status" on Thursday while police made an arrest nearby as part of a shooting investigation.

5 hours ago in Local

Acadia National Park to remain mostly operational amid government shutdown

The popular Cadillac Summit Road at Acadia National Park will be closed to motor vehicles as a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown.

13 hours ago in Local

Westbrook Police Seek Help To Locate Missing Woman

She is known to frequent the Westbrook and Portland area.