Congressman Jared Golden Urges House Committee to Protect Maine's Lobstermen from New Regulations

Strategic Insights -

Maine Congressman Jared Golden is advocating for a seven-year extension of a moratorium on regulations aimed at protecting the North Atlantic right whale. The current moratorium, enacted in 2023, is scheduled to expire in 2028, and Golden believes that more time is needed to incorporate research and data into future regulations. The Congressman has introduced a discussion draft amendment to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which would extend the regulatory pause until 2035. Golden's proposal aims to give the government more time to craft regulations based on real science and data, while also providing lobstermen with the time they need to prepare for potential changes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Jared Golden has introduced a discussion draft amendment to the Marine Mammal Protection Act to extend the regulatory pause on protecting the North Atlantic right whale until 2035.
  • The current moratorium, enacted in 2023, is scheduled to expire in 2028, and Golden believes that more time is needed to incorporate research and data into future regulations.
  • The amendment aims to give the government more time to craft regulations based on real science and data, while also providing lobstermen with the time they need to prepare for potential changes.
  • Golden's proposal is supported by Maine stakeholders, including the Maine Lobstering Union, Maine Lobster Association, New England Fishermen's Stewardship Association, and Downeast Lobstermen's Association.
  • The Maine lobster fishery has been valued at over half a billion dollars, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and being a critical part of the state's economy, heritage, and appeal to visitors.
  • Maine's fishermen are responsible stewards of the marine resources, and Golden urges his colleagues to support the amendment to ensure the long-term sustainability of the lobster fishery.
  • The regulatory pause would give fishermen more time to comply with anticipated regulations and prevent potential disruptions to the fishery and the communities it supports.

Statistics:

  • The Maine lobster fishery has been valued at over half a billion dollars.
  • The fishery supports tens of thousands of jobs.
  • The moratorium was enacted in 2023 and is scheduled to expire in 2028.
  • The proposed amendment would extend the regulatory pause until 2035.
  • 2026 is the first meeting date for the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team on new regulations.

Sources:

  • Congressman Jared Golden's written testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee
  • United States House of Representatives
  • Maine Lobstering Union
  • Maine Lobster Association
  • New England Fishermen's Stewardship Association
  • Downeast Lobstermen's Association