MAINE, USA — Maine's lobster industry and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, are voicing support for a 10-year delay on new federal fishing regulations designed to protect the fewer than 400 North Atlantic right whales still alive .

Maine’s lobster industry, valued at over half a billion dollars, is already navigating strict measures aimed at reducing whale entanglements. These include seasonal closures, the use of weaker ropes, and fewer lines in the water.

"We’ve removed well over 30,000 miles of rope from the water," Patrice McCarron, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, said.

McCarron told NEWS CENTER Maine that more time is needed to gather better data on which regulations are appropriate for Maine to avoid unnecessary harm to the lucrative industry.

"We’re on

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