Lawler’s Legislation Protecting Northeast Lobster Industry Advances Through Natural Resources Committee

Washington, D.C. - 7/15/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) applauded the House Natural Resources Committee's passage of the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to extend critical relief for Northeast fisheries by maintaining the current regulatory framework that governs American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries in the Northeast.

This bill provides stability for these fisheries and prevents unnecessary disruptions that could lead to closures, while allowing additional time to create innovative solutions to protect both the North Atlantic right whale and the future of Northeast fisheries. The Trump Administration has expressed strong support for this policy, stating that it aligns with Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness and offering strong support for its passage through Congress.

This legislation passed in the House Natural Resources Committee and now will advance to the House floor.

"Protecting the North Atlantic right whale and supporting America's fishing communities are goals that can and must go hand in hand. By extending the current regulatory framework through 2035, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act provides the time needed to develop durable, science-driven solutions that protect this endangered species without imposing unnecessary burdens on fishermen. I'm grateful to Chairman Bruce Westerman for advancing this legislation through Committee and to Rep. Jared Golden for his partnership on this bipartisan effort," said Congressman Lawler.

"Lobster fishing contributes billions of dollars to Maine's economy and employs thousands of Mainers, yet it has dealt with extreme regulatory uncertainty. Rep. Lawler's bill extends the timeline for the National Marine Fisheries Service to implement regulations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act from 2028 to 2035. This allows the regulations to be based on the most up-to-date, complete scientific information available without placing undue burdens on lobstermen. I thank Rep. Lawler for supporting this vital industry," said Chairman Bruce Westerman, House Committee on Natural Resources.

"I'm grateful to Rep. Lawler and my colleagues on the committee for a strong show of bipartisan support for Maine lobstermen. In 2022, Congress enacted this regulatory pause and funded new efforts to gather information to support a data-driven process to establish rules that made sense for both the fishermen and the whales. But today the rulemaking process is behind schedule for reasons that have nothing to do with Maine fishermen. At the same time, those charged with gathering the necessary data say more time is needed to ensure regulations can incorporate the best available science. Maine fishermen are not asking for much. We just need more time," said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02).

This legislation amends the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 to maintain the existing moratorium on certain federal regulations affecting the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries through 2035. This extension supports the development of innovative gear technologies, such as ropeless/on-demand systems and whale deterrents.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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