Stonington coordinates with neighboring towns to comment on NOAA whale-rule proposal

Town Manager Billings told the Stonington selectmen she has submitted comments to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is coordinating responses with neighboring towns and fisheries groups over a proposed set of whale-protection measures that would change end-line use over a 10-year plan.

Billings said she circulated guidance from the Maine Lobstermen’s Association and is working with Vinalhaven and North Haven managers, the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association (MCCF) and the congressional delegation to consolidate local impacts and submit comments before federal deadlines. She flagged two near-term dates: BiOp comments on Feb. 24 and the 10-year-plan comment period on March 1 (dates cited at the meeting).

The manager said the town is concerned about potential economic and social effects on inshore lobster fishermen if end-line restrictions are implemented over a decade. Billings described the effort as cooperative outreach and noted there is an ongoing legal context from prior litigation that complicates timelines.

Selectmen were informed of the outreach plan; no formal resolution or vote was recorded at the meeting. Town staff continue to monitor NOAA rulemaking and provide opportunities for the harbor and fishing stakeholders to comment.