A Maine congressman, along with various fishing groups, is advocating for a significant delay in new regulations aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Currently, fewer than 370 of these whales are left, and their population has been declining for over a decade. Proposed federal fishing laws have garnered support from conservation groups, primarily because these whales face deadly risks from getting caught in commercial fishing gear.
At this time, the federal government has paused new right whale rules until 2028. Democratic Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, along with a coalition of fishing organizations, is urging congressional leaders to push that timeline out to 2035. Golden argues that extending the moratorium would allow more time for the government to develop regulations based on sound scientific evidence. He also highlights the importance of protecting Maine’s lobster fishing industry, which is vital for the state’s economy and job market.
“The value of Maine’s lobster fishery is over half a billion dollars, not to mention the tens of thousands of jobs it supports. It’s a crucial part of our heritage and an attraction for visitors,” Golden stated in a recent letter to a congressional subcommittee.
The proposed extension was initially suggested by Alaska’s Republican Nick Begich, who recognizes the significance of the fishing industry in his own state as well. These regulatory changes have sparked both criticism from environmental groups and support from commercial fishing organizations. For instance, the Maine Lobstermen’s Association highlighted the financial burdens that heavy regulations impose on fishing communities.
Historically, North Atlantic right whales were abundant along the East Coast, but their population plummeted due to commercial whaling and has been slow to recover. They also face threats from collisions with large vessels. According to reports, the right whale population dropped by about 25% from 2010 to 2020.
