Ellsworth hearing to focus on whales

ELLSWORTH – Lobstermen and federal scientists will face off at the only local public hearing on a federal plan for preserving highly endangered Atlantic right whales.

The hearing will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 4, at the Ellsworth Holiday Inn.

With perhaps fewer than 300 remaining worldwide, Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered animals on Earth. Historically, they were pursued by New England whaling ships for the bones and blubber. Today, most unnatural deaths are the result of collisions with ships or entanglement in fishing nets and lines.

The federal plan for reducing the risk by requiring that lobstermen use special “whale-safe” equipment and move their gear when right whales are spotted would offer protection but could cost East Coast fishermen $14 million.