BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 18, 2020
A federal judge ruled that the government failed to adequately protect the North Atlantic Right Whale from lobster fishing activities. This leaves the entire state wondering what will become of this industry that is central to our economy and our identity. The Maine lobster industry has already become a scapegoat for inadequate protection measures for these animals in Canadian waters. Now NOAA apparently wants to turn a blind eye to this potentially devastating practice of oil exploration, and put undue pressure on Maine fishermen and women. ~ Sam Sheppard, Orono