News - National
Lobstering ban from Massachusetts to NC considered
Posted: Jul 23, 2010 8:31 AM by Bea Karnes, News First 5
Updated: Jul 23, 2010 8:32 AM
Lobstermen are speaking out against a proposed ban on lobstering from Massachusetts to North Carolina, saying a bleak assessment of the stock's health is way off.
Dozens of lobstermen traveled to Warwick, R.I., for a meeting of the board that advises the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission on lobster rules. The board is considering a five-year moratorium on lobstering south of Cape Cod to North Carolina to deal with a population crash.
The region supplies about 7 percent of the Northeast's total catch. A final decision is expected later this year. Nick Crismale of the Connecticut Lobsterman's Association says a moratorium would do "almost biblical" damage to the industry.
Massachusetts lobsterman Albert Rosinha urged the committee to use conservation measures.
As Seen On News 5
