September 29, 2022 — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is considering a new round of measures aimed at reducing the risks that commercial fishing poses to the endangered North Atlantic right whale population.
Several hundred people attended a virtual meeting Tuesday evening, which NOAA officials billed as a forum to collect feedback from fishermen about possible trap limits and more seasonal closures and gear changes.
Most of the speakers were Maine lobstermen, who believe the changes will devastate their businesses and the state’s economy.
“If these things are implemented as I see, we’re going to be turned into seasonal communities,” said Jason Joyce, a fisherman from Swan’s Island. We’re not going to be year-round communities. I think it’s a shame, and honestly being a taxpayer I’m ashamed of my government for pushing this on me.”