December 11, 2014 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
On December 11, NOAA Fisheries announced final revisions to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan.
Based on input from the state of Massachusetts, lobster fishermen and other stakeholders, the size of an area scheduled to be closed in 2015 will be expanded by approximately 912 square miles. The closure start date will be shifted from January to February.
By expanding the area, whales will be protected. By shifting the start date to February 1, 2015, the fishing industry will be able to continue fishing through the lucrative holiday season. Other measures were implemented to ensure state and federal regulations were consistent.
Click here to read more about these plan revisions.
Previous webstory, which provides background on how the management measures were developed.
Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan