MASSAHCHSETTS (Podcast) The Massachusetts Lobertemn’s Association has filed suit against the federal government over the February 1, 2023 closure of 200 square miles of fishing area off the Massachusetts coast. The closure does impact north shore lobstermen. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the closure was necessary to protect right whales from dangerous entanglements.
In this podcast interview with Beth Casoni, the executive director of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, she outlines why their organization feels the closure is unnecessary as the move severely restricts and harms fishermen while the right whales would not be endangered if the restrictions were lifted. In the interview she explains how Massachusetts lobstermen have already implemented major technical updates to their equipment to protect the right whales.
The organization’s website has several resources that can supplement the information provided in the podcast. Website
Beth Casoni – Executive Director – Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association with Bill Newell
Beth Casoni – Executive Director: Beth is a pro-active participant in many areas involving the commercial fishing industry with her primary focus on the commercial lobster industry. As the Executive Director for the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association Beth is the boots on the ground representative for the commercial fishermen and will always give them the shore side support needed to ensure their continued success on the water.
MISSION STATEMENT: The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association is a member-driven organization that accepts and supports the interdependence of species conservation and the members’ collective economic interests.
The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association was established in 1963 by the fishermen, for the fishermen, and is presently one of the leading commercial fishing industry associations in New England. On behalf of the 1,800 members, the MLA works to maintain both the industry and the resource. The MLA strives to be proactive on issues affecting the lobster industry and is active in the management process at both the state and federal levels. The MLA communicates with its members through a monthly newspaper, weekly email, Facebook, Twitter and attendance at meetings. For the past 59 years, the MLA has become a trustworthy voice for the industry on important issues and is looked to by both the fishing industry and the management community.
Rockport, MA
