Dozens of lobstermen voiced their concerns during a public hearing about the proposed rule change, which would have increased the minimum catch size from 3 1/4 inches to 3 5/16 inches.

Lobster harvesters and dealers said the proposed change would have eliminated the most lucrative segment of their catch.

Lobster harvesters and dealers said the change would have eliminated the most lucrative segment of their catch.

A controversial proposal to increase the minimum catch size limits for Maine lobster has been withdrawn. The Department of Marine Resources withdrew a proposed rule to increase the minimum size requirements for lobsters to be caught in Maine on Thursday.