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

CONTENTS

Better Management Eyed for Menhaden

The Quilt

Editorial

Codfish Stock Report Sparks Fear in Fishery

Kerry Letter to Greyson, Lubchenco, and Schwaab Calls for New Cod Data and Relief Plan

Port Mayor Says Groundfish Dialogue Driven by Fear

100 Protest 137' Tall LPG Gas Tank at Searsport

Salvage Claims and Awards Under Admiralty Law

Dennis Damon - Looking Both Ways

Fishermen's Co-ops in Atlantic Canada

New Safety Standards Set for Fishing Vessels

Senators Snowe, Collins Express Concern with Possible Listing of River Herring

Captain Perry Wrinkle - The Wood Cutters

Fixed Gear Sector Supports Government's Decision to Fund Monitoring Until April 30, 2012

Pingree Introduces Food, Farms and Jobs Act

Back Then - B-52 Stratofortress Down in Maine

Electronic VTR’s: A New Era in Quota Tracking

Lobsterboat Weathervane

Science Team Identifies Influenza Virus Subtype That Infected Five Dead Seals

Lee Wilbur - Honest Les from Southwest

NOAA Extends Comment Period on River Herring

Conferences

Closed Area Notices

Call for Abstracts

Meetings