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Poll results

Sponsored by: OTELCO

Policymakers are in a quandary: How to protect a marine species found in Maine waters while protecting one of Maine's most cherished marine livelihoods.

A new federal rule designed to protect the North American right whale from fishing gear has pitted some conservation advocates against the lobstering industry. Last week, Gov. Janet Mills complained to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo that the rule targets Maine lobstermen unfairly and unnecessarily.

The rule requires new marking and modifications for lobster gear, as well as a seasonal lobstering ban in some offshore waters. Critics say the costs of implementation and revenue loss associated with the rule could total over $30 million next year.

Debate over the measures has been waged for months. But with the rule set to take effect in May, the urgency appears to be ratcheting up.

Does the federal government's new whale-protection rule unfairly target Maine lobstermen?
Yes (76%, 171 VOTES)
No (24%, 53 VOTES)
Poll Description

Sponsored by: OTELCO

Policymakers are in a quandary: How to protect a marine species found in Maine waters while protecting one of Maine's most cherished marine livelihoods.

A new federal rule designed to protect the North American right whale from fishing gear has pitted some conservation advocates against the lobstering industry. Last week, Gov. Janet Mills complained to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo that the rule targets Maine lobstermen unfairly and unnecessarily.

The rule requires new marking and modifications for lobster gear, as well as a seasonal lobstering ban in some offshore waters. Critics say the costs of implementation and revenue loss associated with the rule could total over $30 million next year.

Debate over the measures has been waged for months. But with the rule set to take effect in May, the urgency appears to be ratcheting up.

  • 224 Votes
  • 11 Comments
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11 Comments

  • Colleen Osselaer
    September 27, 2021

    Let me start by saying I am not a lobsterman and neither is anyone in my family. It's not that the idea is bad, it's the staggering cost to the individual lobstermen that is wrong. Anyone who lives or works in a coastal town can tell you these men and women do not live lavish lives. If the federal government thinks expensive changes should be made why not ask them to dig into their own pockets to help foot the bill.

  • September 27, 2021

    Curiously, the rules do not discuss the issue of ship strikes that do more damage than lobster pot lines. Also, there is the lack of similar rules in the rest of New England's lobster fleet, nor in the Maritime Provinces of Canada which have even larger fleets and more impacts!

  • September 27, 2021

    The number and history of right whale impacts or collisions are so rare this seems extreme and needs some common sense thinking by the Feds. Good luck with that.

  • September 27, 2021

    The better question is: What measures are necessary to stop the certain extinction of a dwindling species?

  • September 27, 2021

    Not enough info available to public to really know. Exclusion zone is way off shore. All the lobster boats I’ve seen while sailing coast of Maine for 20+ years were pretty much inshore, certainly within 3 mile limit. Maybe there is good cause for concern, but I’ve not seen it, or a whale since 2001.