Regulators consider 5-year lobstering ban

WARWICK, R.I. (AP) — Dozens of lobstermen are expected to travel to Rhode Island to speak out against a proposed ban on lobstering in waters south of Cape Cod.

The board that advises the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission on lobster rules meets Thursday in Warwick.

Among the options being considered to deal with a crash in the lobster population in the region is a five-year moratorium on lobstering south of Cape Cod to North Carolina.

Lobstermen say a ban would destroy their livelihoods.

Others say something extreme needs to be done to save the lobster population.

The lobsters caught in this area account for about 7 percent of the nation’s total harvest.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.