Email to a Friend Printer Friendly Version

(Providence-AP) -- A commercial fisherman who was prosecuted for taking too many lobsters is challenging the regulation on net-caught lobsters in federal court.

Lawyers for Stephen Medeiros argue that the rule limiting non-trap fishermen to a hundred lobsters per day is unconstitutional. They say it unfairly restricts fishermen who use nets.

An attorney for the state Department of Environmental Management argued that lobsters are overfished and the state is also taking steps to limit the number that can be trapped.

The state also says other states have banned the use of nets to catch lobsters.

The 100-lobster rule was imposed by the state and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council.

Judge Mary Lisi says she will issue a written ruling.