Board kills proposal to ban lobstering

WARWICK, R.I. (AP) - A proposal to ban lobster fishing over a vast stretch of the East Coast has been killed after lobstermen said it would do "almost biblical" damage to the industry.

The board that advises the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission on lobster rules voted Thursday to consider lesser reductions in the catch — or no new restrictions at all.

The vote came after lobstermen said a ban on lobster fishing from south of Cape Cod to North Carolina would destroy their businesses. They also said they're seeing signs that the species is rebounding.

A scientific committee recommended a five-year moratorium to the board, citing the species' dire condition.

Long Island lobsterman John German said he was relieved the moratorium was killed. But he said the industry can't survive any new cuts.