IFAW And Atlantic Offshore Lobsterman's Association To Host Whale Friendlier Lobster Gear Summit
Yarmouth, MA - To advance dialogue between animal conservation groups and fishing associations seeking practical solutions to North
Atlantic Right Whale entanglement and compliance toward approaching equipment mandates, the International Fund of Animal
Welfare (IFAW - www.ifaw.org) and Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen's Association (AOLA) have joined forces to host a
cohesive "Lobster Gear Summit" January 11th, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The summit, scheduled from 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. at the Hyatt Regency Boston, will connect lobstermen's associations
from Maine to Rhode Island, fishing gear manufacturers and distributors, federal and state fisheries officials, and rope
recycling representatives for an intense day of information sharing, fact-gathering and strategic planning in
preparation of new regulations on lobster gear set by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
"Saving the right whale requires collaboration and shared commitment. Nearly ¾ of endangered right whales have scars
from entanglement in fishing gear; it remains one of the biggest threats to the survival of the species." Said Patrick
Ramage, IFAW's Global Whale Program Manager. "IFAW wants to ensure hardworking fishermen are able to comply with these
new regulations. We want to help minimize the hassle for fishermen while maximizing protection for this critically
endangered species."
Already one of the most endangered animals in the world, lobster gear entanglement is currently the second leading cause
of North Atlantic Right Whale deaths as gear, lines and other fishing equipment clutter the ocean and latch onto whales
swimming in its path, wrapping around their mouths, flippers and tails while causing severe damage. To reduce the
debilitating effects of entanglement on this species, regulations mandating use of 'whale-friendlier' sinking groundline
in lobster fishery were finalized by NMFS in October 2007 and scheduled to take effect October 7, 2008; an announcement
heralded worldwide by conservation groups as an important first step in creating solid regulations to protect whales and
other ocean species from human-related activities, as well as expanding collaboration between commercial, legislative
and NGO agencies.
Building upon the past success of IFAW's Lobster Gear Replacement Project, industry collaboration continues in this
Lobster Gear Summit. This meeting affords an opportunity to reach common ground among participants by itemizing the
equipment inventory needed, drafting a workable manufacturing timeline, and making the transition to reach compliance by
the October 7, 2008 implementation date as smooth as possible.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world
by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW
seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that
advance the well-being of both animals and people.
The Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen's Association seeks to promote the sustainable use of fishery resources. To that end,
AOLA works to advance resource conservation and responsible management practices and to promote cooperation among
government, industry, and the scientific community. AOLA works on behalf of industry by raising awareness of
lobster-related issues in order to ensure plentiful stocks for generations to come.
ENDS