Regulators, fishermen meeting in RI to discuss 5-year lobstering moratorium for Mass. to NC
By APThursday, July 22, 2010
Regulators consider lobstering ban for Mass. to NC
WARWICK, R.I. — Lobstermen are speaking out against a proposed ban on lobstering from Massachusetts to North Carolina, saying a bleak assessment of the stock’s health is way off.
Dozens of lobstermen traveled to Warwick, R.I., for a meeting of the board that advises the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission on lobster rules.
The board is considering a five-year moratorium on lobstering south of Cape Cod to North Carolina to deal with a population crash. The region supplies about 7 percent of the Northeast’s total catch. A final decision is expected later this year.
Nick Crismale of the Connecticut Lobsterman’s Association says a moratorium would do “almost biblical” damage to the industry. Massachusetts lobsterman Albert Rosinha urged the committee to use conservation measures.
