MAINE PUBLIC • November 18, 2022
A district court judge in Washington D.C. has granted a two-year extension for the National Marine Fisheries Service to issue a new rule aimed at reducing right whale deaths from entanglements in lobster gear. In its decision Thursday, the court says the extension will allow all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure the survival of both the right whale and the lobster industry. One of those stakeholders is the Center for Biological Diversity, where Kristen Monsell is the oceans legal director. "This is great news," she said. "A new and improved rule will keep whales safer from deadly entanglements in fishing gear." The Maine Lobstermen's Association says the decision offers some hope, but doesn't resolve major issues.