East Coast Fishing Rules Under Review for Whales | Dover News

Federal fisheries are launching a major review to overhaul East Coast fishing rules to protect endangered whales—right, humpback, and fin whales—whose populations are plummeting due to deadly entanglements in fishing gear. The review targets key Mid-Atlantic fisheries including striped bass, menhaden, blue crabs, lobster, and Jonah crab, with potential changes like ropeless gear, fewer vertical lines, and shorter gear deployment times. While officials acknowledge the economic toll on coastal communities and family-run businesses, they stress that over 170 right whales have died or been injured since 2017—with 60% tied to fishing gear. Public input is crucial as the process unfolds over several years, with final decisions expected by late 2028. Your voice could help shape the future of both marine life and coastal livelihoods. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d845691cfb00c7c1