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August 22, 2007

Lobstermen to fight gear-change rule

Lobstermen plan to fight proposed federal regulations that will require them to change the type of rope connecting lobster pots.

The new regulations, proposed by the National Marine Fisheries Service, will require lobstermen fishing in areas frequented by North Atlantic right, humpback and fin whales to replace their floating line with sinking line in an effort to reduce whale injuries and deaths, according to VillageSoup.com. Lobstermen say replacing their line will be costly, and the sinking line will catch on the rocky ocean bottom and fray, requiring regular replacement.

The Maine Lobstermen's Association is holding a series of public comment meetings next week before responding to the NMFS by Sept. 17. The new regulations could take effect as early as October 2008.

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