DMR Proposes Plan For Whale Protection
Island Ad-Vantages|11/7/2019
ELLSWORTH—Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Pat Keliher faced a half-filled auditorium of lobstermen and other industry stakeholders at The Grand on Monday, November 4.
Anne Berleant
DMR Proposes Plan For Whale Protection

The topic, once again, was how to meet a federally mandated rule to reduce the risk of right whale entanglements by 60 percent, as it was at a NOAA-led meeting in Ellsworth August 13.

At both meetings, local lobstermen pushed back against federal regulations for reasons including safety and their own livelihood in the $565 million per year fishery, of which Stonington is the highest grossing port.

However, on Monday, Keliher, using feedback from that summer meeting, drafted a plan that differs by having lobstermen “trawl up,” or put more traps on a line, based on how far out they’re fishing. The same would be used to determine how many weak points integrated into a line are needed. Weak points are used so the rope breaks at a strength equivalent to 1,700 pounds, the strength at which a right whale can break free of entanglement.

Maine-specific gear marking is also part of the draft plan, as is 100 percent harvester reporting. Both would help determine whether right whales found dead from entanglements died in Maine waters. Harvester reporting, a rule already passed by the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Council, will provide data on the number of vertical lines in the water, as many lobstermen buy 800 tags each year but fish fewer traps, because of the difficulty in increasing the number of tags after using fewer the previous year.

This story is from the 11/7/2019 edition of Island Ad-Vantages.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 11/7/2019 edition of Island Ad-Vantages.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ISLAND AD-VANTAGESView All
Stonington select board candidates on why they're running
Island Ad-Vantages

Stonington select board candidates on why they're running

STONINGTON—Dick Larrabee Sr. is challenging incumbent Donna Brewer, select board chair, in the town election on Saturday, March 5.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 24, 2022
Hurvitt to replace England as interim superintendent
Island Ad-Vantages

Hurvitt to replace England as interim superintendent

Fills in during search for new superintendent

time-read
1 min  |
February 24, 2022
2021 lobster harvest the most valuable in the history of the fishery
Island Ad-Vantages

2021 lobster harvest the most valuable in the history of the fishery

75% increase over 2020

time-read
1 min  |
February 17, 2022
Flores receives Presidential Award for excellence in teaching
Island Ad-Vantages

Flores receives Presidential Award for excellence in teaching

FLORES: Making connections with students and peers

time-read
5 mins  |
February 17, 2022
Blue Hill planning board approves hospital plan
Island Ad-Vantages

Blue Hill planning board approves hospital plan

A $25 million investment for the long term

time-read
4 mins  |
February 17, 2022
Live at the Grandstand!
Island Ad-Vantages

Live at the Grandstand!

Get your groove on at the Grandstand Stage with a wide variety of live events throughout the fair.

time-read
2 mins  |
Blue Hill Fair Handbook
Despite the rain, Stonington still has to haul water, fixes leak
Island Ad-Vantages

Despite the rain, Stonington still has to haul water, fixes leak

STONINGTON—The Stonington Water Company began hauling 200,000 gallons of water for the second time this summer to replenish its supply because of inadequate rainfall and heavy usage by summer visitors.

time-read
2 mins  |
August 26, 2021
The Odd Fellows pitch in
Island Ad-Vantages

The Odd Fellows pitch in

Helping a neighbor, painting a house

time-read
2 mins  |
June 17, 2021
Just For Kids holds its last graduation
Island Ad-Vantages

Just For Kids holds its last graduation

Terri-Lee Jones retires

time-read
4 mins  |
June 17, 2021
Fishermen's Wives donate $10,000 to Blue Hill YMCA
Island Ad-Vantages

Fishermen's Wives donate $10,000 to Blue Hill YMCA

Safety programs, swimming lessons on tap

time-read
1 min  |
June 17, 2021