Lobsterman reacts to proposed ban

Groton, Conn. (WTNH) - Biologists are recommending a five-year ban on lobster fishing in Southern New England. While this would be a inconvenience to lobster lovers, it would be devastating to the Connecticut men and women who make their living pulling them from the water.

The Sawyer family has been lobstering since 1906. With each new proposed regulation they say they're seeing rougher seas. News 8 first went out with Dick Sawyer seven years ago, when shell rot and the lobster die off threatened to sink his livelihood. Today it hasn't gotten any better.

"This time of year you should be coming up with several hundred pounds, I think we got 60 today. You just go out and you shake your head," Sawyer said.

Sawyer says pollution is to blame.

"We never had shell rot until they dredged the Thames," he said. "We never had a die off until they sprayed for the West Nile virus."

Federal regulators say the drop in lobster population is not due to over fishing but a host of environmental problems. Still, they are suggesting a five year fishing ban in southern New England to help restore depleted stocks.

"It will put you out of business," Sawyer said.

Biologists made the drastic recommendation to Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission regulators, acknowledging "catastrophic effects." For Sawyer, it could mean the end to a century old family business.

"Anybody's got a boat payment or bills to pay, you're gone," he said.