NH Seeking Suggestions To Reduce Fishing-Related Whale Injuries & Deaths

DURHAM, N.H. (AP) -- New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is seeking suggestions on how to reduce the risk of large whales being hurt or killed from being entangled in vertical commercial trap and gillnet fishing lines.

The agency will hold a meeting July 22 in Portsmouth to hear from the public.

Similar efforts in the past by the NOAA Fisheries Service led to implementing weak lines so fixed buoy gear released at certain breaking strengths and sinking groundline for fixed gear fisheries.

In latest effort, the fisheries service is looking at whales interacting with vertical lines. The July 22 meeting is one of 16 public meetings on the subject planned this summer.

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