Stonington joins neighbors in raising concerns about NOAA whale-rule impacts on inshore lobster fishery

Stonington’s town manager told selectmen the town is networking with neighboring island towns and fisheries groups to respond to proposed federal rule changes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that would reduce or remove certain end lines over a 10‑year period.

TM Billings said she had reviewed Maine Lobstermen’s Association materials explaining the proposal and its potential effect on the inshore lobster fishery and that she was coordinating comment submission with Vinalhaven and North Haven. She noted two near-term deadlines: Biological Opinion (BiOp) comments due Feb. 24 and the 10‑year plan comment period closing March 1. The manager said a lawsuit earlier in the process had constrained some timing but that local managers continue to prepare technical and community input.

The selectmen did not take a formal vote to authorize townwide comments in the minutes provided, but the manager’s notes reflect active outreach to other towns, the MLA, and the congressional delegation to compile and submit feedback. The minutes record concern about potential economic and social impacts should the federal rule reduce gear used by inshore fishermen.

Next steps: TM Billings will continue coordinating with neighboring towns and fisheries groups to prepare comments by the stated deadlines and will report back to the selectmen on any formal submissions or requests for local endorsements.