Southampton - Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) and Southampton Town Councilman Chris Nuzzi are pleased to support a decision issued from the American Lobster Technical Committee for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to rescind its proposed five year ban on lobster takings.

Weeks earlier, the Committee had proposed a five year moratorium on lobster takings from Maine to New Jersey. The measure was the topic of public hearings where local lobstermen felt the plan would devastate the lobster industry. The measure was being considered for public comment later this year. Alternatively, the Commission and its Committees will consider reducing the catch limit or leave the regulations as is.

"I am pleased with this outcome," said Assemblyman Thiele. "I remain hopeful a less drastic approach will be pursued and will not adversely affect the industry. Keeping the industry and the lobster populations alive is critically important to Long Island's economy."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the lobstermen for their steadfast opposition and efforts," stated Councilman Nuzzi. "Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the ASMFC for their deliberate and careful consideration of the detrimental effects this measure would have."