Scientists call on regulators to protect New England habitat as fishing territory fight looms

Scientists are urging federal regulators to go further to protect fish habitat in New England waters as the regulators finalize a long-anticipated management plan.

The New England Fishery Management Council has been working on a habitat management plan for several years and is considering a host of options. A draft of the plan says one goal is to review and revise which areas are closed to fishing.

A group of 138 scientists from around the country sent a letter to the council stating that it is "deeply concerned that this amendment will fall far short" of adequate protection.

A 90-day public comment period about the habitat management plan ends Jan. 8. New England Fishery Management Council members say they expect to vote on the plan in April.