Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026
Last recorded step: House, Sep 1, 2026.
Nothing scheduled on the calendars we hold.
This bill would delay until 2035 new federal regulations meant to protect Atlantic large whales from lobster and crab fishing gear.
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Last regenerated The bill has had legislative action since.
What it does
This bill would extend the deadline for the National Marine Fisheries Service to issue new regulations aimed at protecting the endangered Atlantic large whale from entanglement in lobster and crab fishing gear. The current 2028 deadline would be moved to 2035, delaying requirements for the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries to adopt innovative gear technologies. These regulations are intended to reduce the risk of whales becoming caught in commercial fishing equipment.
Who is affected
This bill affects the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries, which would have more time to comply with upcoming gear technology requirements. It also impacts the National Marine Fisheries Service by extending the deadline for the agency to issue new regulations regarding fishing gear. Additionally, the legislation affects the endangered Atlantic large whale by delaying the implementation of new regulatory protections intended to reduce entanglement risks.
Key provisions
- Extension of regulatory deadline for whale protection. The bill extends the deadline from 2028 to 2035 for the National Marine Fisheries Service to issue new regulations aimed at protecting the endangered Atlantic large whale from specific fishing gear.
- Requirement for innovative fishing gear technologies. The regulations must include mandates for the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries to adopt existing and innovative gear technologies to minimize the risk of whale entanglement.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
The bill extends the deadline for the National Marine Fisheries Service to issue new fishing gear regulations from 2028 to 2035.
Relationship to existing law
This bill extends a current legal deadline from 2028 to 2035 for the National Marine Fisheries Service to implement new regulations regarding fishing gear technologies intended to protect the endangered Atlantic large whale.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to delay the implementation of new federal regulations regarding lobster and crab fishing gear by extending the deadline for the National Marine Fisheries Service to 2035. This extension provides more time for the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries to adopt gear technologies designed to reduce the risk of entanglement for the endangered Atlantic large whale.