Stonington coordinates regional comments on NOAA whale-rule proposal affecting lobster gear

Town Manager Billings alerted the Selectmen to a regional effort to respond to a proposed NOAA rule and related biological-opinion process that could change fixed-gear configurations over a 10-year timeline.

Billings told the Selectmen she had circulated an easy-to-read guide from the Maine Lobstermen's Association and was coordinating with managers from Vinalhaven, North Haven and others because of potential economic and social impacts on inshore lobster fisheries. She noted comment deadlines (BiOp comments due Feb. 24; the 10-year plan comment period listed as March 1 in meeting notes) and said the federal timeline may be affected by ongoing litigation.

The Selectmen heard that the town has filed or planned to file comments to NOAA and that the town would monitor developments and coordinate with regional partners and the congressional delegation. Billings also reported outreach to the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association and related groups.

Next steps: the town will continue coordination with neighboring towns and industry groups and will file comments by the federal deadlines identified in the meeting materials.