Should Congress extend the deadline for new lobster and crab fishing regulations to 2035?
This bill would extend the deadline for the National Marine Fisheries Service to issue new regulations from 2028 to 2035. The new regulations would protect endangered Atlantic large whales from certain equipment used in lobster and crab fishing.
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Lawler (Republican, New York District 17)
View full bill text ➔
How do you feel?
Oppose
Support
Opponents say
• "North Atlantic right whales can’t afford to wait another seven years for more protections. Approximately 380 whales remain on Earth, and only 70 are breeding females. Entanglements occur so frequently that even when they don’t kill whales outright, the resulting chronic stress and injuries have caused birth rates to decline. Source: Jane Davenport (Senior Attorney at Defenders of Wildlife) via Statement
Proponents say
• "Protecting the North Atlantic right whale and supporting America’s fishing communities are goals that can and must go hand in hand. By extending the current regulatory framework through 2035, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act provides the time needed to develop durable, science-driven solutions that protect this endangered species without imposing unnecessary burdens on fishermen. I’m grateful to Chairman Bruce Westerman for advancing this legislation through Committee and to Rep. Jared Golden for his partnership on this bipartisan effort." Source: Rep. Michael Lawler (Republican, New York District 17) via Press Release
• "Lobster fishing contributes billions of dollars to Maine’s economy and employs thousands of Mainers, yet it has dealt with extreme regulatory uncertainty. Rep. Lawler’s bill extends the timeline for the National Marine Fisheries Service to implement regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act from 2028 to 2035. This allows the regulations to be based on the most up-to-date, complete scientific information available without placing undue burdens on lobstermen. I thank Rep. Lawler for supporting this vital industry." Source: Rep. Bruce Westerman (Republican, Arkansas District 4) via Press Release
