July 31, 2014 — BOSTON — State legislators and members of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association gathered at the State House on Wednesday to voice concerns about new regulations banning the use of lobster trap and pot gear from Jan. 1 to April 30 off much of the state’s coast.
Part of the National Marine Fisheries Service’s new Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan, the new rules aim to eliminate endangered right, humpback and fin whale entanglements with lobster gear as required by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Along with restrictions on where and when lobster gear can be set, the regulations order changes to equipment, such as buoy markings and trap minimums. State officials and industry plan to challenge the plan.
The closure is the first-ever in the plan, said David Gouveia, acting assistant regional administrator of protected resources for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.
Scott Leddin, a Marshfield lobsterman who attended the rally, said the rules will hurt the lobster industry and related businesses – from bait retailers to fuel suppliers.
“We’re willing to work with these people, but it’s a big hit,” said Leddin, who explained that the industry has already moved to use breakaway buoys and other safety devices to protect whales.