Maine’s U.S. Senators push to extend pause on right whale protections, citing lobster industry impact

NEWS CENTER MAINE • September 15, 2026

U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King urged the Commerce Committee to consider a bill that extends the moratorium on North Atlantic right whale regulations. There is currently a moratorium on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 20-year policy that protects the critically endangered whale from boat strikes. The policy has left fishermen having to adapt to conservation requirements. Rep. Jared Golden’s Northeast Lobstermen Protection Act would extend the moratorium from 2028 to 2035. Collins and King wrote to the Senate committee chair and ranking member to advance the bill as soon as possible.