Message from DMR Commissioner: NOAA Fisheries Announces 60-day Scoping Period for Input on Potential Measures to Modify the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan

As some of you already know, NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) has announced a scoping period for the next phase in developing and analyzing recommendations that may result in proposed modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP).

NMFS' announcement is not a notice of proposed rulemaking. Rather, it is a request for public comments on the scope of the regulations.

Comments from the scoping period will inform discussions during the upcoming 2026 and 2027 Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (TRT) meetings.

DMR recognizes that it is challenging to provide comments when a risk reduction target has not been identified by NOAA. However, this is the first opportunity for you to offer comments that may help guide the TRT in developing measures.

We encourage stakeholders to take this opportunity to share your voice in these important conversations that will shape the future of Maine's lobster fishery.

Comments must be received by October 16, 2026.

While NMFS has specifically requested information from the public on the issues listed below, this is also an opportunity to speak broadly about tools you may be interested in the TRT considering, the socio-economic importance of this fishery, and what the lobster fishery means to you.

In addition, DMR has been investigating the potential for dynamic management as a tool to address times/areas of elevated risk while minimizing socio-economic impacts. Industry comments around the continued exploration of dynamic management will inform future direction of this work.

1. Vertical line reduction through gear reduction measures (trap/line caps, reduced gillnet panel lengths or numbers, ropeless retrieval devices subject to rigorous testing for safety, affordability, and operational feasibility for the fleet) or gear configuration changes (increasing nets per string or traps per trawl; lower profile gillnets through tie downs or restricted panel heights)

2. Fishing effort reductions through shorter soak times or restrictions to daytime fishing

3. Measures that reduce the likelihood of severe injuries including gear tending or gear modifications to reduce the weight of gear (single traps on weak rope)

4. Reducing the breaking strength of nets and ropes so that entangled whales could break free

5. Seasonal restricted areas that would prohibit persistent buoy lines or be closed to fishing in those areas where right whales can be predicted to aggregate seasonally

6. Development of a dynamic area management program that would allow real-time responses to right whale aggregations

7. Modifications to the timing or dimensions of existing seasonal restrictions, seasonal closure areas, and exemption areas

8. Updates to gear marking requirements

9. Data gaps

10. Any additional measures not mentioned above.

Submit your comments by October 16, 2026 through the e-rulemaking portal.

For additional guidance on submitting comments, visit https://ourfishingfuture.com/show-up-ready/