May 6, 2022 — Local lobstermen recently asked members of the community to help them in their fight against new federal rules they fear could drive a harpoon through their industry.
At issue is the federal government’s plan that aims to protect the North Atlantic right whale by reducing the risk to them by 98% by the year 2030, according to materials presented to selectmen for their meeting on April 28.
Chris Welch, the chair of the town’s Government Wharf Committee and a board member of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, discussed the MLA’s lawsuit challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service’s plan, which he described as flawed and detrimental to his industry and the local economy.
“We must hold the government accountable for failing to use the best scientific information possible,” Welch said.