Fishermen appeal judge ruling that protects endangered whale
The state of Maine and a fishing group are appealing a federal judge’s decision that new rules intended to protect endangered whales must stand
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The state of Maine and a fishing group are appealing a federal judge's decision that new rules intended to protect endangered whales must stand.
The judge earlier this month denied a request from fishermen to stop federal regulators from placing the new restrictions on lobster fishing. The rules are intended to protect North Atlantic right whales, which number less than 340.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills and the Maine Lobstermen's Association said this week they're appealing that decision. Lobstermen have long contended the new rules are based on flawed data and are too punitive to the fishing industry.
The fishermen sued the National Marine Fisheries Service in its lawsuit. The fishing group is “escalating its fight to save Maine’s lobstering heritage from a plan that the agency itself admits is not needed for the species to survive,” said Patrice McCarron, executive director of the lobstermen's association.
