The Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) profoundly thanks the Governor for her statement in strong support of Maine’s lobstermen and our communities as we grapple with the developing federal whale rules.

The Maine lobster industry understands that right whales are at risk and we want to be part of the solution. But as the Governor rightly points out, the data show that Maine is just a small part of a large and complex problem. Maine’s solution must be right-sized to reflect the risk our fishery poses to right whales. We will not implement changes to our fishery to achieve an arbitrary goal if those measures won’t actually benefit the right whale.

Patrice McCarron is executive director of Maine Lobstermen’s Association