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Indeed, the federal government’s lease proposal spares Maine’s key lobstering grounds from development, removing a potential obstacle.

She became a force in lobstering and tourism with companies of her own, and a lightning rod for critics who object to her outspoken conservative views.

Logging, blueberry picking and lobstering don’t always provide year-round employment; resourceful residents supplement incomes by digging for clams or collecting balsam tips for wreath-making.

“I suppose there are lobstermen that would go ahead and do it and would invest the money. But I think it would be the end of Maine lobstering as we know it,” said Weber.

“The MLA is suing the federal government to stop this plan, and is asking the court to fix it using accurate science so that we can save right whales without sacrificing the lobster fishery and Maine’s lobstering heritage.”