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Committee authorizes DMR to adopt emergency rules to protect endangered marine mammals, with industry consultation and annual reporting
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Summary
The committee approved LD 2013, giving the commissioner authority to adopt emergency rules limiting gear/methods or areas to protect state‑listed endangered marine mammals (right, humpback, fin, sei, sperm whales), with amendments requiring consultation with industry and annual reporting to the committee.
The committee advanced LD 2013, a department bill that authorizes the Commissioner of Marine Resources to adopt emergency rules limiting the taking of marine organisms by method or location when the commissioner determines immediate action is needed to mitigate an exceptionally high risk to state‑listed endangered marine mammals.
Analysts and department staff briefed members on the bill scope, noting it applies to species listed in Title 12, section 6975 (including North Atlantic right whales, humpback, fin, sperm and sei whales). Committee discussion focused on whether the authority should be limited to right whales or include other endangered marine mammals. Multiple members favored broader language to allow rapid response to any endangered marine mammal aggregation.
Commissioner Carl Wilson told the committee that DMR already coordinates with neighboring states and federal partners but that an explicit emergency authority would enable faster protective action. The committee adopted amendments to require the department to consult with industry before finalizing emergency actions when practicable and to provide an annual report on any uses of the authority.
The committee recorded a unanimous vote of those present to pass the bill as amended. Members discussed cross‑jurisdiction coordination with Massachusetts and New Hampshire and asked the department to explain outreach protocols for rapid notification of fishermen in affected areas.
