PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – A congressman from Maine, along with several commercial fishing groups, is advocating for a ten-year delay in regulations intended to protect the North Atlantic right whale, a species that has seen its population fall to approximately 370 individuals over the past 15 years. The proposed federal fishing laws aimed at safeguarding this critically endangered whale have garnered support from conservation organizations due to the species' risk of deadly entanglement in fishing gear.
Currently, the federal government has paused enforcing right whale regulations until 2028. Democratic Representative Jared Golden of Maine, in coalition with various fishing organizations, has submitted letters to congressional officials urging that this moratorium be extended to 2035. In his correspondence, Golden emphasized that extending the pause would allow adequate time for the development of regulations that are science-based and considerate of both marine wildlife and the fishing industry. He highlighted the importance of Maine's lobster fishing sector, which he described as "the lifeblood" of both the state's economy and culture.
In a letter dated July 22 to a subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee, Golden pointed out that Maine’s lobster fishery, valued at over half a billion dollars, provides tens of thousands of jobs and is integral to the state's appeal to visitors. He has previously played a crucial role in establishing the initial moratorium on the regulations surrounding right whales.
The proposal to extend the moratorium was originally introduced by Republican Representative Nick Begich of Alaska, who also represents a state with a significant commercial fishing industry. This proposal is part of a broader set of amendments to the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act put forth by Begich. These changes have faced backlash from various environmental organizations while receiving support from commercial fishing groups. A coalition of fishing organizations, including the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, articulated their concerns in a letter to Congress dated July 21, arguing that "heavy regulation comes at a heavy cost."
The North Atlantic right whale was once a common sight along the East Coast, but its population suffered tremendously during the era of commercial whaling and has struggled to recover in the years since. Among the significant threats to their survival are fatal collisions with large vessels and entanglements in fishing gear. Recent statistics indicate that the right whale population experienced an alarming decline of about 25% from 2010 to 2020, which raises further concerns about the species' future survival.
As the debate continues, the implications of proposed regulatory changes remain a focal point for both conservationists who aim to protect endangered species and fishermen whose livelihoods depend on these waters. The ongoing dialogue reflects the complex relationship between environmental protection and commercial interests, as stakeholders work towards a balance that supports both marine life and economic sustainability.
