Lobsterman Michael Duane gets by without a paycheck for two-and-a-half months each year, but he says going much longer than that would be difficult.

 

Duane could face that reality next winter, as new regulations set by the National Marine Fisheries Service ban the use of lobster trap and pot gear from Jan. 1 to April 30 off much of the state’s coast. The measure aims to eliminate whale entanglements with lobster gear.

 

“That would be 15 percent of my income. It’s unreasonable what they’re asking us to do, and as far as I know, no lines in that area have been entangled with a whale yet,” said Duane, president of the Marshfield Commercial Fishermen’s Association. “There’s the possibility for entanglements. Well, there may be an accident on the highway, but we still drive on them.”

 

Read the full story at Wicked Local Boston>>

Want to read more about lobstering regulations? Click here

Have you listened to this article via the audio player?

If so, send us your feedback around what we can do to improve this feature or further develop it. If not, check it out and let us know what you think via email or on social media.

A collection of stories from guest authors.

Join the Conversation