Stonington Town Manager coordinates regional comments on NOAA whale-rule changes affecting lobster fishing

Town Manager Billings reported to the Selectmen that she has submitted comments to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on a proposed 10-year plan and related biological opinion that would reduce or limit fishing end lines; she said the proposals could affect the inshore lobster fishery and the town’s fishing-dependent economy.

Billings said she circulated an explanatory guide prepared by the Maine Lobstermen’s Association and is coordinating with the managers of Vinalhaven and North Haven as well as local organizations to share resources and responses. She told the board that deadlines for comment were Feb. 24 for the biological opinion and March 1 for the 10-year plan and that litigation in related matters has constrained federal timelines.

The town manager urged continued regional coordination to ensure local economic and social impacts are included in federal rulemaking records. Selectmen received the update and did not vote on formal town-level policy at the recorded meetings but noted ongoing outreach to the congressional delegation and Maine-based fishing organizations.