Stonington officials warn NOAA plan to remove fishing end lines could hit island lobstermen

Town Manager Billings told the Selectmen she had submitted or was preparing comments to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on a proposed rule and a 10-year plan to reduce fishing end lines, warning of possible consequences for the inshore lobster fishery.

"TM said she is deeply concerned after reviewing the materials the MLA has put out on an easy-to-understand guide of what the Federal Govt (NOAA) is proposing to close the lobster fishery down by removing end lines in 10 years and affecting the inshore fishery as well," the record notes. Billings said she circulated guidance and links for comment and is coordinating with managers from Vinalhaven and North Haven and the Maine Lobstermen's Association (MLA).

The TM said the biological-opinion (BiOp) comment period was due Feb. 24 and that the 10-year plan comment deadline was March 1; she said the town is prepared to network with regional partners and with the congressional delegation as appropriate. Billings also said the town is working with state groups such as MCCF on follow-up and outreach.

No formal selectmen motion was recorded on this item; the TM presented information and outreach actions the town would take as a matter of regional coordination.

The issue is consequential for local fishermen and harbor economies because reducing end lines would change fishing gear and operations over a multi-year period, potentially affecting safety, catch rates and viability of small inshore fleets. Town staff described planned coordination and shared comment resources for local stakeholders and fishermen.