Maine Lobstermen’s Association Statement on Recent Court Decision
KENNEBUNK, Maine (November 18, 2022)— On November 17, Judge James Boasberg issued a remedy order in the lawsuit, Center for Biological Diversity v. Raimondo.
Following is a statement from Patrice McCarron, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association.
“While the Court’s decision offers lobstermen some hope, it by no means resolves the issues facing our industry. We appreciate that the Judge recognizes the need to avoid massive disruption of the fishery, but the simple truth is lobstermen are still mandated to achieve a 90% risk reduction in 2 years which cannot happen without causing significant harm to the fishery.
“This is why the MLA’s lawsuit against NMFS is so critical. We must continue our fight through the appeals court to force NMFS to reconsider its worst case assumptions so that the risk reduction goal will be recalculated to more closely reflect the risk posed by our fishery.
“The bottom line is the Court’s decision provides us some additional time to ensure that a final whale plan is based on the best available science and commercial data, but not enough time to help recover right whales without needlessly sacrificing the Maine lobster fishery.”
The MLA is the oldest and largest fishing industry association on the east coast, established in 1954. Last week, MLA filed its opening brief in its appeal of the decision in Maine Lobstermen’s Association v. National Marine Fisheries Service — its own lawsuit to reverse a scientifically-flawed federal whale plan that will cripple Maine’s lobster industry.
In 2021, MLA launched its #SaveMaineLobstermen campaign with a four-pronged approach to preserve the industry and protect the endangered whales. The plan includes aggressive legal and policy strategies, ensuring decisions are based on sound science, innovating effective conservation strategies, and communication.
More information on the issue and documents supporting MLA’s court case can be found at www.savemainelobstermen.org/
Donate to #SaveMaineLobstermen at: www.savemainelobstermen.org
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