Maine LobsterTuesday, November 10
New federal whale findings give Maine lobstermen hope that paused rules stay on hold
The Daily Portland team
If you follow Maine's lobster fishery, the federal tone just changed. The National Marine Fisheries Service said Nov. 5 that new scientific analyses indicate U.S. fisheries may be meeting the federal standard for protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales, and the findings remain subject to scientific review. The Maine Lobstermen's Association welcomed the shift.
Right whale calves hit their highest count since 2009
- 24
- right whale calves identified since the last birthing season
- 380
- right whales in total
- 70
- reproductively active females
Source: WMTW
“It looks like the risk posed by the fishery is much lower than previously anticipated.”
The regulations the association says could decimate the industry are currently paused. The Maine Department of Marine Resources said a December meeting will be postponed so the data can be analyzed. A final ruling is expected by the end of 2028, if not sooner.
The whale-rule fight is expected to run through 2028
- 2022The Maine Lobstermen's Association files its legal challenge.
- June 2023A federal appeals court agrees the agency distorted the science behind the rule.
- Nov. 5NMFS announces analyses indicate U.S. fisheries may be meeting the federal standard.
- DecemberA scheduled meeting will be postponed so the data can be analyzed.
- Late 2028A final ruling on the regulations is expected by the end of 2028, if not sooner.
Sources: WMTW, Bangor Daily News
- 2025 lobster landings: 78.8 million pounds
- 2025 fishery value: $461.4 million at a $5.85 boat price
- Jobs supported: an estimated 17,500
- Share of Maine's commercial fisheries value: roughly 75%
Sources: WMTW, Bangor Daily News, Mainebiz