UPDATED Information Regarding Recent Federal Court Decision on LMA 1 Restricted Area
NOTE: On October 16, 2021, Maine Federal District Court Judge Lance E. Walker issued an Order that prevents the LMA 1 Restricted Area, detailed below, from taking effect while the lawsuit proceeds. Lobster and Jonah crab trap/pot fishermen may continue to fish with traditional surface markings in the LMA1 Restricted Area until further notice.
The following are questions and answers regarding the LMA 1 Restricted Area in the Final Rule to Amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. For more information, call NOAAs Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office at (978) 281-9300.
Where is the LMA 1 Restricted Area?
The Restricted Area is in offshore LMA 1, spanning lobster zones C, D, and E. The lat/long for the corners of the closure are as follows. A chart of the Area is below:
Longitude/Latitude
-69° 36.77' W/43° 06.00' N
-68° 21.60' W/43° 44.00' N
-68° 17.27' W/43° 32.68' N
-69° 32.16' W/42° 53.52' N
A chart of the LMA 1 Restricted Area is attached.
When does the LMA 1 Restricted Area go into effect?
As indicate above, on October 16, 2021, Maine Federal District Court Judge Lance E. Walker issued an Order that prevents the LMA 1 Restricted Area from taking effect while the lawsuit proceeds.
What does the court decision mean for fishermen?
Lobster and Jonah crab trap/pot fishermen may continue to fish with traditional surface markings in the LMA1 Restricted Area until further notice.
