Scallop Regulation Expires May 1, 2012,
Closed Areas Remain Closed

The Department of Marines Resources has noted that there is some misinformation spreading through industry that the closed areas will be open for this fishing season. The scallop regulation summarized below; Chapter 11.10(1)(H)) in fact will expire on May 1, 2012, AFTER the 2011-2012 fishing season. The closed areas will, however, be opened to fishing in the following 2012-2013 fishing season. The SAC is continuing ongoing discussion on how to responsibly open the closed areas for fishing in December 2012. Parties interested in these discussions are encouraged to attend future meetings so their input can be incorporated. The next SAC meeting will likely be scheduled for some time in January; a meeting notice will be sent out with details regarding that meeting once the date and location has been set.

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
The following regulation expires on May 1, 2012, after the 2011-2012 fishing season.
Chapter 11 Page 5 & 6

H. Closed Areas
It shall be unlawful to fish for, take, or possess scallops taken by any method within any of the following closed areas. All directions are relative to True north (not magnetic).

Transiting exception:
Any vessel possessing scallops onboard, may transit these closed areas, only if the vessel has all fishing gear (dredges, drags) securely stowed. Securely stowed shall mean the main wire shall not be shackled or connected to the dredges or drags, and the towing swivel will be at block or on the winch.

(1) Casco Bay Area
(2) Damariscotta/Sheepscot Area
(3) Muscongus/Western
Penobscot Area
(4) Eastern Penobscot Area
Eastern Penobscot Area
Lower Jerico Bay
(5) Blue Hill Salt Pond/Blue Hill Harbor/Morgans Bay Area
(6) Mt. Desert Area
(7) Gouldsboro Bay Area
(8) Jonesport/Machias Area:
(a) The Reach
(b) Chandler Bay/Englishman’s Bay
(c) Machias Area
(9) St. Croix River Area
(10) Whiting Bay and Denny’s Bay Area

Trisha A. C. De Graaf
Marine Resource Management Coordinator
(207) 624-6554 /trisha.degraaf@maine.gov