Wednesday, October 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m
We will be conducting an in-person scoping meeting to collect public input on modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan to reduce the risk of death and serious injury caused by U.S. commercial fishing gear to endangered North Atlantic right whales in compliance with the mandates of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
What is Scoping?
Scoping is an opportunity for citizens to provide input on the range of issues to be addressed for significant regulatory actions in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which evaluates the overall impacts of regulations.
We are seeking suggestions for measures for all U.S. commercial fisheries regulated by the Plan (U.S. East Coast gillnet, Atlantic mixed species trap/pot, and Mid-Atlantic and Northeast lobster and Jonah crab trap/pot fisheries) that would reach a 90% minimum risk reduction needed to bring mortality and serious injury below the potential biological removal level for this species.
How to Comment
Attend our in-person scoping meeting
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
University of Southern Maine’s Abromson Community Education Center
Hannaford Hall
88 Bedford St
Portland, Maine 04101
Comments provided at the meeting will be recorded.
Provide Written Comments
Attendance at a scoping meeting is not the only way to provide comments. You may also submit comments in writing through our online portal, Regulations.gov. The scoping period is open through October 11, 2022.
More Information
For more background, please review the information on our Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan web page, the Right Whale Unusual Mortality Event web page, and the many recorded webinars.
See a recording of the virtual scoping meeting held on September 27, 2022 and the meeting materials on our website.
Questions?
Regarding scoping: Contact nmfs.gar.alwtrt@noaa.gov
Media: Contact Allison Ferreira, Regional Office, 978-281-9103