Town Manager warns NOAA whale-rule could harm inshore lobstermen; Stonington coordinates with neighboring towns

Stonington's Town Manager said she is deeply concerned about a proposed NOAA rule and a related 10-year plan that could require removing end lines from lobster gear, a change local officials say would substantially affect the inshore lobster fishery.

TM Billings told Selectmen she distributed a plain-language guide from the Maine Lobstermen's Association and has been coordinating comments with neighboring towns (Vinalhaven, North Haven) and the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association. She described two comment deadlines: the BiOp (biological opinion) comments due Feb. 24 and the 10-year plan comments due March 1. TM Billings said the town will work with regional partners and the congressional delegation to press concerns and share resources for affected communities.

Why this matters: Local lobstermen and related businesses rely on end-line gear; a phased reduction or removal of end lines could change inshore fishing operations and affect livelihoods and the town’s maritime economy.

The Selectmen did not adopt a formal town comment in the provided minutes, but TM Billings said she would continue to network with other towns and stakeholders. She also said the town would track potential legal timelines because of ongoing litigation and regulatory processes related to whale-protection measures.

Next steps: TM Billings plans to continue inter-town coordination, circulate guidance for public comment, and report back to the board on any coordinated regional action or formal town comments.