Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – 9/1/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) announced that the House of Representatives passed the Northeast Lobstermen Protection Act.

The legislation extends the current regulatory framework governing the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries in the Northeast through 2035, providing additional time for scientists, industry, and stakeholders to develop effective solutions to reduce entanglement risks. The Northeast lobster fishery is a critical part of coastal economies, supporting fishermen, dealers, processors, restaurants, and small businesses throughout the region. 

WATCH: LAWLER DEBATES ON HOUSE FLOOR FOR NORTHEAST LOBSTERMEN PROTECTION ACT

“While this legislation is particularly important to Maine’s fishing communities, the Northeast lobster industry supports small businesses and hardworking families far beyond the coastline, including restaurants here in New York. Fishermen have spent years adapting to conservation requirements and deserve regulatory certainty instead of constantly shifting rules that threaten their ability to operate and plan for the future. I’m grateful to Congressman Jared Golden for his partnership on this bipartisan effort and to the Natural Resources Committee for their support. We are proud to see this bill pass the House,” said Congressman Lawler.

“This bill is a big win not only for fishermen in Maine, but for bipartisanship in Congress. While the threat of unnecessary, industry-killing regulations is a matter of survival for lobster harvesters in Maine, the issues at play affect fishermen across the Northeast, including in Long Island. Building bridges across party lines is essential for a functional Congress, but unfortunately, it’s a skill that has been lost for far too many members. I’m grateful to Rep. Lawler for recognizing an injustice to working men and women and joining me to correct it,” said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), whose district hosts the largest lobster fishery in the United States.

“Maine’s iconic lobster fishery contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy and employs thousands of Mainers. Unfortunately, the men and women who work the fishery have dealt with extreme regulatory uncertainty that threatens to stifle lobster fishing. I applaud Representative Lawler for his work to remove an undue burden on lobstermen and support American seafood,” said Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman.