MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • February 5, 2023
Maine lobstermen claim they are being unfairly targeted regarding whale entanglements. Recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data shows that 84 large whales were found entangled on the East Coast in the last three years. The majority of the entanglements were from Maine lobster gear, which has the most fixed fishing gear on the East Coast. Maine lobstermen should stop accidentally entangling all whales, not just right whales. Future accidents can be prevented. The new omnibus law allocates money to make on-demand gear a reality and provide it to lobstermen free of charge. On-demand fishing should be implemented immediately before any more whales are accidentally entangled and killed in Maine lobster gear. Do not wait six years. ~ Bill McWeeny, Maine Coalition for North Atlantic Right Whales, Brooksville