BANGOR DAILY NEWS • November 16, 2021
New federal rules, aimed at protecting endangered right whales, seek to close a huge swath of productive winter lobstering territory off Maine’s coast. However, in October, a federal judge ordered a temporary halt to the plan until the science behind it could be further scrutinized. Environmentalists then took counter measures in court, further entangling the rules in legal maneuvering. An appeals judge is expected to make a decision on their argument any day now. The Maine Lobstermen’s Association announced a fundraising appeal to the general public on Tuesday. The association wants to raise $10 million for what it foresees as endless, costly court clashes over right whale supporters and their industry.