Maine’s political leaders criticized the decision, which was based on assessments by two conservation groups that have raised concerns that North Atlantic right whales have become entangled in the ropes used to fish for lobster.
An investigation into thousands of dead and dying crabs and lobsters washed up on North Sea beaches last year did not identify a clear cause, but a harmful algal bloom in the area at about the same time was identified as being of significance.
For almost 20 years, record haul numbers padded the pockets of Maine lobstermen, but with landings declining for five straight years, many wonder how the industry will survive the impacts of climate change.
