BAR HARBOR, Maine — Fishing managers will reach out to the industry before a proposal that seeks to rebuild the southern New England lobster population is sent out for public comment.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission decided Thursday that it was best to take the additional step before potentially releasing the plan to the public in February. The commission has been working on fishing management measures to preserve the lobsters.
Scientists say southern New England lobsters are in decline while the species is thriving off Maine. They cite factors such as warming ocean waters.
Lobsters remain readily available to consumers despite the drop in their southern range.
Management measures detailed in the proposal include strategies such as seasonal closures, trap reductions and changes to the minimum and maximum harvesting sizes of lobsters.