May 25, 2017 — A New England fisheries management group is considering changes to regulations regarding lobstering in an area of the Gulf of Maine.
The New England Fishery Management Council is considering whether lobster traps should be kept off of coral within a 18-square-mile portion of the Gulf in order to protect habitat for other marketable fish stock.
According to a report in the Portland Press Herald, the move could jeapardize a $4 million dollar portion of the state’s lobster fishery, an amount taken by more than 100 lobster boats.
The council held a series of public meetings, including one in Portsmouth Wednesday night, seeking input according to the council’s calendar.