With fewer than 300 animals worldwide, the Atlantic right whale is highly endangered. But fishermen say that a new federal plan for protecting the whale could endanger their livelihood, costing East Coast fishermen a predicted $14 million each year. Public hearings are scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m., Monday, April 4, at the Holiday Inn in Ellsworth; 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, April 5, at the Samoset Resort in Rockport; and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland. For more information, visit www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/hotnews/whales/