By Patrick Whittle, The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Maine - Federal regulators are deciding the scope of a management plan for thousands of square miles of New England waters that has deeply divided fishermen and conservationists.
The New England Fishery Management Council is working on the long-awaited plan for federal waters from Maine to Rhode Island. It includes a host of options, including opening areas closed to fishing and adding new restrictions to open areas. Some options would change protections to Cashes Ledge, an ecosystem conservationists want to preserve.
The council held the last of a series of public hearings about the plan on Wednesday in Portland. Maine Lobstermen's Association Executive Director Patrice McCarron said some of the options could have "tremendous economic impact'' on fisheries.
The public comment period about the management plan is set to end on Thursday.
