Town Manager urges coordinated response to NOAA whale-rule proposal that could affect lobster fishery

Stonington’s Town Manager Billings told Selectmen that the town has been actively engaging on a proposed NOAA rule that includes a 10-year plan to reduce or remove end lines, a change she and other island towns say could have serious impacts on the inshore lobster fishery.

Billings said she has submitted comments to NOAA, is working with neighboring town managers and the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, and plans to contact the congressional delegation to convey local concerns. Meeting records cite the BiOp comment deadline (Feb. 24) and the 10-year plan comment deadline (March 1) and show TM urging coordinated outreach to preserve local fishing livelihoods and community stability.

Selectmen did not vote on a formal town resolution in the segments provided but discussed the importance of regional coordination and noted ongoing legal and advocacy timelines connected to a pending lawsuit related to other harbor matters. Billings said she would continue to share resources, coordinate comment submissions and keep the Selectmen updated.

Next steps: the Town Manager will continue coordination with neighboring towns, file any additional comments within federal deadlines and report results back to the board.