Environment and Outdoors

JACKMAN, Maine - Maine's big game hunting seasons are months away, but the state is starting the process of accepting applications for the moose hunt.

PORTLAND, Maine - Maine's smelts, a small fish beloved by ice fishermen, appear to be continuing a rebound in population after years of decline.

A Dutch aquaculture firm that plans to build a $110 million land-based fish farm in Jonesport has reached an agreement with the University of Maine to lease space at the school’s aquaculture incubator to breed and hatch fish that the company then will grow to market size.

Authorities are seeking the public's help as they investigate the shooting of a bald eagle found Sunday in the western Maine town of Peru.

A major winter storm will bring rain, snow, sleet and ice into the entire state overnight Saturday and much of the day Sunday after record high temperatures were set Saturday afternoon in Portland and Bangor, according to the National Weather Service.

Maine is facing a weekend of weather that could bring record high winter temperatures followed by an ice storm. WCSH-TV reports the state is likely to see temperatures over 50 degrees on Saturday. But temperatures are expected to plummet on Saturday night, and precipitation and freezing temperatures are likely to follow on Sunday. WCSH-TV reports the storm isn't likely to be as severe as the legendary 1998 ice storm, but power outages and travel problems are possible.

A newborn North Atlantic right whale has been injured by an apparent ship-strike. The animal — one of about 400 left on the planet — was spotted off the coast of Georgia.

Representatives of Maine's lobster industry are taking issue with the state’s proposal to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale from entanglements in their gear.

Conservationists say a third right whale calf has been spotted off the southeastern United States, giving them hope for the jeopardized species this winter.