Justices decline to take up Maine boat monitor case

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a legal challenge to Maine’s rule requiring commercial lobstermen to use electronic vessel tracking systems. In an unwritten decision, the court rejected lobsterman Frank Thompson’s petition for certiorari, ending a long-running case over whether GPS monitoring of private boats violates Fourth Amendment protections. The decision leaves in place a prior federal appeals ruling that dismissed the lawsuit, finding commercial fishing is closely regulated. Thompson, represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation, argued the 24/7 surveillance unfairly targets Maine’s federally licensed lobster fleet. Environmental groups and Maine officials said the tracking data is vital for stock assessments and enforcement. The lobster fishery was worth more than $900 million at Maine docks last year.