January 12, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
We are proposing to amend the regulations implementing the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan to reduce the incidental mortality and serious injury to North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in northeast commercial lobster and Jonah crab trap/pot fisheries to meet the goals of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.
To give the public an opportunity to learn about the proposed rule and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, we are holding 4 public information sessions. Everyone is welcome to attend and ask questions about the proposed rule.
See our summary fact sheet for more information on the proposed rule.
Please note, there will be an opportunity to provide comments at our public hearings in February. You may also provide comments online through the Regulations.gov comment portal. The comment due date is March 1, 2021.
Public Information Sessions
To sign up to attend, choose the link for the public information session you want to attend.
The information sessions run from 6:30-9 pm and are designed to orient participants to the documents and the review process, and to answer questions about what the proposed rule and DEIS contain. Public comments will only be accepted if time permits.
We will be opening the sessions at 6 pm for troubleshooting, so please log on early.
The sessions are focused on the proposed requirements for particular areas, though you may attend any session, and ask questions about any area.
- Tuesday, January 12: Rhode Island, Southern Massachusetts, LMA3
- Wednesday, January 13: Outer Cape Massachusetts, LMA1 Massachusetts and LMA1 New Hampshire
- Tuesday, January 19: Maine, southern focus
- Wednesday, January 20: Maine, northern focus
If you are unable to attend, you may access a pre-recorded version of the slides to learn more about the rule.