New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced Tuesday that local fishermen would not be complying with a new mandate regarding the minimum size of lobsters caught off the Granite State’s shores.
“New Hampshire’s commercial fishing industry is a proud part of our heritage, and I have heard loud and clear from our lobstermen, commercial fishermen, and concerned legislators and citizens from our Seacoast that this minimum size increase will have a negative impact on an industry already strained by existing regulations,” Ayotte wrote to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).
According to a statement from her office, “Gov. Ayotte’s letter is in response to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission guidelines to increase the minimum size for catchable lobsters in states including Maine and New Hampshire over the next two years. The State of Maine has also announced it will not comply with the new guidelines after an outpouring of opposition from local lobstermen.”
The ASMFC was created by the 15 states on the Atlantic coast in a cooperative effort to protect and promote fishing in their region.
However, because the ASMFC operates as a cooperative body, it does not directly enforcing rules or regulations, leaving that to the individual states.
New Hampshire’s commercial fishing industry generated around $700 million in sales in 2020, the largest single source of revenue ($26 million) from lobster. Industry representatives praised Ayotte’s announcement.
“After nearly two years of challenging regulatory changes proposed by the ASMFC and other governing bodies, the voices of commercial fishermen have finally been heard. We extend our deepest gratitude to Gov. Kelly Ayotte for her decisive action in rescinding the impending lobster gauge increase, which was originally set to take effect on July 1 of this year,” the New Hampshire Commercial Fishermen’s Association said in a statement.
“Today marks a significant victory for commercial fishermen and our families. Our livelihoods, traditions, and futures are secure, thanks to the collective efforts of our community and the decisive action of Gov. Ayotte.”
In her letter, Ayotte urged the ASMFC to reconsider its decision.
“To ensure the survival of an iconic and historic industry in our state and our region, and to ensure our nation remains competitive in global trade, I ask you today to rescind these new guidelines,” Ayotte wrote. “In the meantime, New Hampshire will comply with the previous minimum size for lobster in an effort to preserve this proud industry.”
