Lobstermen lose federal court decision

PROVIDENCE - Rhode Island lobstermen who lost out when the state allocated lobster pot permits several years ago have lost a legal battle.

A federal appeals court in Boston has upheld a District Court judge’s decision that rejected the lobstermen’s arguments that the allotments are illegal.

The appeals court decision allows the state to continue with its program to reduce the number of traps allowed in Rhode Island waters and allocates those traps only to fishermen who documented their catches from 2001 to 2003.

Richard Fuka, president of the Rhode Island Fishermen’s Alliance, tells The Providence Journal his group will continue fighting questionable fishing management decisions.

The state made the decision to limit lobster traps to combat over-harvesting of the crustaceans.