Opinion | Why the government is running 24-7 surveillance on some lobster boats

A weekly “Red Tape” newsletter story argues that some U.S. federal surveillance requirements for American lobster boats—often described by locals as “black boxes”—feel excessive for fishermen who are not hauling lobster at sea. The tracking mandate took effect in 2023 and requires federally permitted vessels to transmit their location once every minute while at sea. About 1,200 Maine lobstermen hold permits, roughly a quarter of the state’s licensed harvesters. The article says officials have cited reasons including better harvest data, whale conservation, enforcement, and even offshore energy planning, but residents say the rules lack a clear, specific justification for non-fishing periods. It also notes that Frank Thompson of Vinalhaven is challenging the rule in court.