PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) – A plan to limit new lobstermen in New Hampshire to 100 traps probably will be adopted, after it drew little opposition at a public hearing.

More than 50 fishermen came to Tuesday’s hearing in Portsmouth. Of those who spoke, most favored the plan.

John Nelson, chief of Marine Fisheries for the state Fish and Game Department, says the agency probably will adopt the rule later this month.

The change would take effect Jan. 1. It would apply to new applicants for lobster licenses. It also would apply to current lobstermen who have never landed 1,000 pounds of lobster in a single year.

Any current license holder who has caught more than 1,000 pounds could continue using up to 600 traps.

Nelson says the limit will help cut down on overfishing and will discourage lobstermen from other states where the catch is down from moving to New Hampshire.