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Maine lobstermen say there's a critical shortage of specialized trap-gear they need to comply with new federal whale protection rules that go into effect this spring. The industry and Maine political leaders are asking the feds to postpone the deadline by two months. But some gear-makers and suppliers say they can make it available, if only someone would order it.

Beginning on May 1, new federal rules will require lobstermen to use rope that's weak enough to allow endangered North Atlantic right whales to break through it. But they complain they need at least two more months for the supply chain to catch up.