Town manager warns NOAA whale-rule could affect local lobster fishery; Stonington to coordinate comments

Stonington’s town manager alerted the selectmen that the federal National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA) has a proposal and comment period tied to a 10-year plan that would reduce or remove end lines from lobster gear, and she urged coordinated local responses.

TM Billings said she had reviewed guidance from the Maine Lobstermen's Association and was concerned about economic and social impacts if end lines were removed from the inshore fishery over a 10-year timeline. She said the town is working with neighboring towns, conservation partners and the congressional delegation to share resources and submit comments before federal deadlines. She identified the BiOp comment deadline (Feb. 24 in the transcript) and the plan comment date as upcoming near-term deadlines.

The board discussed outreach and the limits of town authority over federal fisheries rules. Billings said the town will continue to collaborate with nearby municipal managers and the Maine Lobstermen's Association on a joint response and keep the selectmen informed as the comment period progresses.