Courtney Hails Fisheries Commission Retreat on Lobster Ban

Press Release

After working with Connecticut lobstermen, Congressman Joe Courtney today praised the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) for its decision to put aside a potential 5-year ban on lobstering and instead conduct a second independent study on the extent of the lobster crisis in southern New England. In response to the Lobster Technical Committee's initial study, ASMFC proposed a number of solutions including a five-year ban on commercial and recreational lobstering south of Cape Cod.

"This is an initial victory for the lobstermen of Connecticut," Courtney said. "Jobs and a New England way of life are on the line, and I am pleased that ASMFC has for the moment rejected a ban and instead ordered a new study on lobsters. I have heard over and over that the numbers in ASMFC's study do not match what lobstermen are seeing on the water. With an entire industry and families in potential peril, a ban would have been unacceptable."

Congressman Courtney has met with lobstermen repeatedly, and has used the direct feedback from these meetings to fight against a moratorium on lobstering. He also submitted testimony to the Lobster Technical Committee arguing against a ban.

"While today's announcement is a welcome reprieve for lobstermen and their families, it does not mean the fight is over," Courtney continued. "A ban on lobstering -- a ban of any length -- is unacceptable. I will not be satisfied that we have won this battle until the idea of a moratorium is taken off the table entirely."

Congressman Courtney's testimony to the Lobster Technical Committee is attached.

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