reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-06 - Vessel Ownership

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. When application
				information concerning vessel ownership changes, the license holder shall
				immediately notify the Commissioner in writing within 3 business days or the
				license shall become void pursuant to 12 M.R.S.A. §
									6301(5).
B. Upon request the Commissioner may require
				the holder of a lobster and crab license, which identifies a vessel on that
				license, to certify to the Department that they meet the definition of a vessel
				owner as established under 12 M.R.S.A. §
									6431- E(1)(B).
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-08 - Lobster Trap Tag System

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Prohibitions
(1) No person shall
				fish with or have on board a vessel a lobster trap unless a valid lobster trap
				tag issued by the Commissioner is securely attached to the frame of the trap.
				The lobster trap tag shall be affixed to the bridge of the lobster trap so that
				the tag information is clearly visible for inspection by a Marine Patrol
				Officer.
(2) No person shall fish
				with, lift, haul, raise, or transport any lobster trap with a tag which has
				been tampered with or where the tag number is illegible or missing.
(3)
(Expired)
(4)
(Expired)
(5)
Fishing in a Non-Declared Lobster
				Zone
By June 1, 2017, all Class I, Class II or Class III lobster
				  and crab fishing license holders must affix a second zone tag to their traps
				  when fishing those traps in a zone other than their declared lobster zone. This
				  second zone tag will be in addition to their declared lobster zone tag.
A person who holds a Class I, Class II or Class III lobster
				  and crab fishing license may not fish more than 49% of that person's lobster
				  traps in a limited entry zone unless that person's license identifies that zone
				  as the declared lobster zone.
The tags must be obtained from the Department of Marine
				  Resources.
The absence of a second tag on traps fished in a zone other
				  than their declared lobster zone shall be prima facie evidence of a violation
				  of this regulation.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-09 - Procedure for Issuing Seed Lobster Permits

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Definitions
(1)
Maine
				Lobster Pound Owner
For the purpose of allocating funds under 12 M.R.S.A. §
											6451(2), a lobster
				  pound owner is a person who owns an open air tidal circulated, or cove type
				  facility, that has a minimum capacity of 20,000 pounds of lobsters (exclusive
				  of tank rooms).
(2)
Season
The Seed Lobster Program shall have an annual season of
				  January 1 to November 30.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-10 - Lobster Trap Limits Established by Lobster Management Zones

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The Commissioner may adopt rules for a zone under 12 M.R.S.A.
				  §
									6446 and §
									6447 that place limits on lobster
				  and crab fishing license holders who fish in that zone regarding the number of
				  lobster traps fished and the time periods allowed for complying with that
				  number in accordance with the requirements of each statute.
1.
Zone G
(a) The trap limit for each license holder
				who is licensed to fish in Zone G shall be:
a trap limit of 1200 as of March 1, 1998,
a trap limit of 1000 as of March 1, 1999 and
a trap limit of 800 as of March 1, 2000.
(b) Limited lobster fishing in the vicinity
				of Kittery.
Each trawl, set in the area defined in 12 M.R.S.A. §
											6439- A, shall be marked at each
				  end with buoy sticks of at least 4 feet in length.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-12 - Alternative bait labeling

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Baits containing any substance not originating from the
				  marine waters, which are sold in Maine for use in the lobster/crab fishery,
				  must be labeled in a manner that clearly lists all ingredients contained in the
				  bait, in descending order of volume. This includes, but shall not be limited
				  to, binders and chemicals or other agents used to remove hair from bait hide.
				  The labeling must appear on all product packaging that is utilized by the
				  manufacturer for sale to the lobster or crab industry.
Manufacturers shall provide the Department of Marine
				  Resources (address: Area Coordinator, State House Station 21, Augusta, Maine
				  04333) with a copy of the label containing the list of ingredients before the
				  sale or distribution of any of the alternative bait product in Maine. The
				  presence of any ingredient in an alternative bait product that is not contained
				  in the label provided to the department shall be prima facie evidence of a
				  violation of this rule.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-15 - V-notching Lobsters

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
Mandatory
				V-notching Requirement
All lobster fishers are required to v-notch all egg bearing
				  female lobsters caught in the process of lobstering.
2.
Zero Tolerance of V-notching
V-notched female lobster means any female lobster bearing a
				  v-shaped notch of any size in the flipper next to and to the right of the
				  center flipper as viewed from the rear of the female lobster. V-notched female
				  lobster also means any female, which is mutilated in a manner, which could
				  hide, obscure or obliterate such a mark. The flipper right of the center
				  flipper will be examined when the underside of the lobster is down and its tail
				  is toward the person making the determination.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-40 - Green Crabs

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Definitions
(1)
Green
				Crab
. The green crab is defined as the species
Carcinus
				maenas
, also known as the common shore crab.
(2)
Green Crab Trap
. "Green crab
				trap" means a trap, pot or other stationary contrivance or device that may be
				set on the ocean bottom and used for taking green crabs in compliance with the
				regulations in Chapter 25.40(B)(1)(b).
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-45 - Crab Fishing Limitations

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
License
				Endorsement
It shall be unlawful to harvest crabs by drag from the EEZ
				  unless the harvester holds a
Commercial Fishing - Single license
				  with the Dragged Crab Permit endorsement or a
Commercial Fishing - Crew license with the Dragged Crab Permit
				  endorsement
*. There will be no additional charge for this permit.
				  A lobster and crab fishing license issued pursuant to
12 M.R.S.A.
				  §
											6421
is not required to
				  obtain this endorsement in accordance with
§
											6421, sub-§
											4(B)
.
*DMR License Division telephone (207-624-6550) or for online
				  information select the following link:
http://www.maine.gov/dmr/license/index.htm
.
2.
Limits
A.
Possession Limits
(1) For individuals taking dragged crabs as
				bycatch, it is unlawful to take, possess or land more than 200 pounds (90.7 kg)
				of crabs per day, not to exceed 500 pounds (226.8 kg) per trip.
(2) For individuals fishing for or taking
				Jonah crabs recreationally, it is unlawful to fish for, take or possess more
				than 50 Jonah crabs per person per 24-hour day.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-65 - Lobster and Crab Closure in Penobscot River

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It is unlawful to fish for or take lobsters or crabs by any
				  means from the waters north of a line starting at the western most point of
				  Perkins Point in the Town of Castine continuing in a northwesterly direction to
				  the southern most point of Squaw Point on Cape Jellison in the Town of Stockton
				  Springs. This section does not apply to equipment operated by the Department of
				  Marine Resources.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-70 - Legal Lobster Tails

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Except as provided in 12 MRS §
									6431- A(6-B), it shall be unlawful
				  to buy, sell, give away, transport, ship or possess:
A. Any cooked lobster tail meat less than 3
				7/32 inches or more than 6 3/16 inches in length when laid out straight and
				measured from the proximal end of the deep flexor muscle to the far end of the
				sixth abdominal segment.
B. Any
				lobster tails in the shell that weigh less than 2.7 ounces or more than 14
				ounces.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-75 - Lobster Import/Export Permit

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Definitions
(1)
Oversize
				Lobsters
"Oversize lobsters" shall mean any lobster, which is more
				  than 5 inches in length, as determined by the State lobster measure, in
				  accordance with 12 M.R.S §
											6431(1).
(2)
DMR Seals
Shall mean a self-locking device, or waterproof paper seal
				  preprinted with the letters "DMR import/export", sequentially numbered and
				  issued by the Department of Marine Resources (DMR). Trucks, buildings, crates
				  and other similar containers will utilize the plastic self-locking device in a
				  manner that will prohibit entry or opening without destroying the plastic seal.
				  Boxes and other similar containers will utilize the waterproof paper seal
				  placed on the container in a manner that will prohibit the opening of the
				  container without destroying the paper seal.
(3)
Permit Holder
Shall mean a Wholesale Seafood License with Lobster permit
				  holder as defined in 12.M.R.S. §
											6851, licensed by the Department of
				  Marine Resources, who has applied for and been issued a Lobster Import/Export
				  permit authorizing the activities set forth in this regulation.
(4)
Pre-culling Storage
				Area
Shall mean a DMR approved and secure tank room, cooler or
				  floatation pool. A pre-culling storage area may not hold any non-import/export
				  lobsters.
(5)
Shipment
Shall mean any lot of lobsters delivered to a permit holder
				  that may contain oversize lobsters.
(6)
Time of Receipt of Shipment
Shall mean the time of day when the truck seal is
				  broken.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-80 - Lobster Trap Construction Regulation

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
In addition to the escape vents required by 12 M.R.S.A.
				  §
									6433, effective
				  January 1, 1990, all traps used to fish for or take lobsters shall have an
				  escape panel, designed as follows: Every lobster trap must have an unobstructed
				  escape panel which is located in the parlor section on the sides or at the end,
				  or on the top if the escape panel is placed directly over the head.
A. Panels may be constructed of untreated
				natural material such as cotton, hemp, sisal, jute twine not exceeding 3/16 of
				an inch in diameter; non-stainless, uncoated ferrous metal not exceeding 3/32
				inches in diameter or a soft wood lath.
B. Any material may be used as a panel if it
				is held in place by any of the material listed in A.
C. Panels must be constructed in such a
				manner as to create an unobstructed opening of at least 3 3/4" X 3 3/4 inches
				or an unobstructed opening at least 3 inches wide along the entire length or
				height of the parlor section when the panel is removed or opened.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-82 - Lobster Trap Maximum Size

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. It shall be
				unlawful to possess a lobster trap with a volume larger than 22,950 cubic
				inches.
2.
Exemptions
A. The Commissioner may grant exemptions to
				this regulation in the interest of fairness, allowing the possession of lobster
				traps with a volume up to 30,100 cubic inches for up to five (5) years from the
				effective date of this regulation. Such exempted lobster traps must have been
				in use prior to January 1, 1998. In granting such exemptions, the Commissioner
				will consider, but not be limited to, the following factors:
(1) The length of time the lobster traps have
				been in use;
(2) The reasons that
				the larger lobster traps have been used in the past;
(3) Any financial hardship to the owner in
				replacing the larger lobster traps or reducing their size; and
(4) The protection of the resource.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-85 - Lobster Trap Escape Vent Dimensions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. It shall be
				unlawful to fish for or take lobsters unless the lobster trap is equipped with
				unobstructed vents or gaps in the parlor section which are:
A. A rectangular or oblong escape vent not
				less than 1 15/16" by 5 3/4" and placed in accordance with 12 M.R.S.A. §
										6433(1)(A);
B. Two circular escape vents not less than 2
				7/16" in diameter and placed in accordance with 12 M.R.S.A. §
										6433(1)(B);
C. A gap caused by separating both ends of 2
				laths 1 15/16" and placed in accordance with 12 M.R.S.A. §
										6433(1)(C), (D) and
				(E).
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-90 - Swans Island Area Lobster Trap Regulation

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Definitions
The following terms, as used in these regulations, shall have
				  the following meanings:
1.
Swans
				Island Lobster Conservation Area
. This is that portion of the waters in
				the vicinity of Swans Island, bounded and described as follows:
"Beginning at the northern tip of Long Point, Marshall
				  Island, Hancock County, Maine; then northerly to the navigational buoy at the
				  western entrance to Toothacher Bay (located at the intersection of Loran Lines
				  9960-W-12492.0 and 9960-X-25800.0); then northeasterly to West Point, Swans
				  Island, Hancock County, Maine; then from Phinney Point on the northeastern
				  shore of Swans Island southeasterly to the intersection of Loran lines 9960-W
				  12445.6 and 9960-X 25780.9 (68º22.40' W. Long., 44º08.79' N. Lat.)
				  Hancock County, Maine; then southwesterly to the intersection of Loran lines
				  9960-W-12468.0 and 9960-X-25773.0 (68º23.6' W. Long., 44º06.4' N.
				  Lat.); then south-southwesterly to the intersection of Loran lines
				  9960-W-12482.2 and 9960-X-25766.4 (68º24.01' W. Long., 44º04.8' N.
				  Lat.); then southerly to the intersection of Loran Lines 9960-W-12493.5 and
				  9960-X-25758.4 (68º23.9' W. Long., 44º03.1' N. Lat.) and the
				  intersection with the Three Mile Limit, as shown on NOAA, National Ocean Survey
				  #13312; then southwesterly along the Three Mile Limit approximately 3.5 miles
				  to a point where a line drawn southeasterly 165º True from the center of
				  Black Ledges intersects the Three Mile Limit at Loran lines 9960-W-12524.5 and
				  9960-X-25765.5 (68º28.6' W. Long., 44º01.9' N. Lat.); then
				  northwesterly 345º True to the center of Black Ledges; then northwesterly
				  to the most southerly point of Marshall Island; thence along the westerly shore
				  of Marshall Island to the point of beginning."
2.
Registrant
A person who registers, under Subsection C of this
				  regulation. All registered persons will be registered from the time of
				  registration until the end of the calendar year and must comply with all of the
				  provisions of this regulation during that time.
3.
Sternman
A person who regularly accompanies the registrant on board a
				  lobster fishing boat throughout the period of the year in which this registrant
				  has traps in the water, and who is hired or otherwise retained by such
				  registrant to assist in lobster fishing operations.
4.
Local Committee
A local committee composed of the registrants of the Swans
				  Island Lobster Conservation Area that is established to provide advice to the
				  Commissioner on issues affecting the Swans Island Lobster Conservation
				  Area.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-93 - Management Framework for Limiting Lobster Fishing Effort on a Local or Regional Basis - Operational Rules

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Definitions
The following terms, as used in these regulations, shall have
				  the following meanings, unless a different meaning is required by the
				  context:
(1)
Election
				District
"Election district" means one of a series of contiguous
				  geographic areas within a lobster management zone which is created by a lobster
				  management policy council for the purpose of electing representative voting
				  members of the councils. The election districts are defined in the by-laws of
				  the council and may be harbors or discrete fishing areas within the
				  zone.
(2)
Declared
				lobster zone
. "Declared lobster zone" means the zone identified on a
				lobster and crab fishing license pursuant to 12 M.R.S. §
										6446 (1-A).
(3)
Lobster License Holder
"Lobster license holder" means a person who holds a Class I,
				  II, or III lobster and crab fishing license issued under 12 M.R.S. §
											6421.
(4)
Lobster Management Policy
				Council
"Lobster management policy council" means the group of
				  locally elected lobster license holders and an appointed non-voting legislative
				  member who may submit proposed effort limitation rules to referendum within a
				  lobster management zone and to the Commissioner.
(5)
Lobster Management Zone
"Lobster management zone" means one of seven areas within the
				  waters of the State for which lobster fishing effort limitations may be
				  established by the Commissioner upon the recommendation of the corresponding
				  lobster management policy council.
(6)
Lobster Fishing Effort
				Limitation
"Lobster fishing effort limitation" means a regulation on the
				  maximum number of lobster traps that may be fished by an individual license
				  holder or two or more lobster license holders who fish from the same boat, the
				  maximum number of traps on a trawl line, or the time of day when lobster
				  fishing may occur.
(7)
Referendum
"Referendum" means the submission of a proposed lobster
				  fishing effort limitation for a lobster management zone to a direct vote by the
				  lobster license holders eligible to vote in a lobster management zone.
(8)
Trap Limit
"Trap limit" means the maximum number of lobster fishing
				  traps that a lobster license holder may submerge from a boat in the waters of
				  the State.
(9)
Trawl
				Limit
"Trawl limit" means the maximum number of lobster traps that
				  a lobster license holder may attach to a line submerged in the waters of the
				  State.
(10)
Lobster
				Fishing Year
"Lobster fishing year" means the 12 month season from June 1
				  through May 31.
(11)
Exclusive Economic Zone
The term 'exclusive economic zone' means the zone established
				  by Proclamation 5030, of March 10, 1983, 48 FR 10605, issued by President
				  Reagan.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-95 - Monhegan Island Area Lobster Trap Regulation

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
Monhegan Island Lobster
				Conservation Area
A.
Definitions
(1)
Registrant
A person who has met the requirements of 12 M.R.S.A. §
												6474. All registered persons will be
				  registered until July 31st of the following year and must comply with all of
				  the provisions of this regulation during that time.
(2)
Lapsed Registrant
A person who was registered in 1997or thereafter but who did
				  not meet the eligibility requirements for any subsequent season or
				  seasons.
(3)
Local
				Committee
A local committee of the registrants of the Monhegan Island
				  Lobster Conservation Area that is established to provide advice to the
				  Commissioner on issues affecting the Monhegan Island Lobster Conservation Area.
				  At least two thirds of the registrants must serve on this committee.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-97 - Management Framework for Island Limited Entry Program

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Definitions
The following terms, as used in these regulations, shall have
				  the following meanings:
(1)
				"Established island resident lobster license holder" means a person who:
(a) has a permanent physical place of abode
				on the island, as demonstrated through payment of property taxes on land and
				buildings or a signed lease, and
(b) holds a current Class I, II, or III
				lobster and crab fishing license at the time the island limited entry process
				under Chapter 25.97(B) is initiated.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-98 - Electronic Tracking Requirements for Federally-Permitted Lobster and Jonah Crab License Holders

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Effective December 15, 2023, the following electronic
				  tracking device requirements apply to all federally permitted lobster and crab
				  license holders, as defined in section A.
A.
Definitions
1. Approved Tracking Device means an
				electronic device that meets all the specifications outlined in Section
				3.1 of the Atlantic States Marine
				Fisheries Commission Addendum XXIX to the American Lobster Fishery Management
				Plan and which has been approved for use by the Atlantic States Marine
				Fisheries Commission.
2. Federally
				permitted lobster and crab fishing license holder means an individual who is
				eligible for a commercial Maine state license or who is licensed to fish
				commercially for lobster and crab under
				12
				MRS6421 or
				12
				MRS6302-A who also holds a federal lobster
				and crab commercial trap gear permit for any of the Lobster Conservation
				Management Areas (LCMAs) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or the Outer Cape Cod on the vessel
				identified on their lobster and crab fishing license.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 26 - SEA URCHINS › Section 188-26-01 - Nighttime Harvesting Prohibition

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It shall be unlawful to fish for or take sea urchins during
				  the nighttime hours between sunset (as defined in
				  12 M.R.S.
				  §6001(46)) and sunrise
				  (as defined in
				  12 M.R.S.
				  §6001(45))
within
Maine's coastal waters.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 26 - SEA URCHINS › Section 188-26-02 - Sea Urchin Minimum Size and Tolerance

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
				Prohibition
It is unlawful for any person to take, possess, ship,
				  transfer, transport, buy, or sell a sea urchin having a shell measuring less
				  than 21/16 inches in the
				  longest diameter, measuring from the top or bottom of the urchin, exclusive of
				  spines.
2. Exceptions to
				26.02(1) Prohibition
A. Possession Tolerance
				for All Persons
Any person may possess sea urchins measuring less than
				  21/16 inches if they comprise
				  less than 5% of any bulk pile.
B. Take Tolerance for Harvesters
(1) Zone 1 & 2 Divers
Zone 1 & 2 divers may take sea urchins that are less
				  than 21/16 inches if they
				  comprise less than 20% of any bulk pile prior to culling on board.
(2) Take Tolerance for All Other
				Harvesters
All licensed sea urchin harvesters except Zone 1 & 2
				  divers may take sea urchins that are less than
				  21/16 inches prior to culling
				  on board.
C. Sea
				Urchins Obtained Outside the State of Maine
Any person exceeding the possession tolerance of this
				  regulation for sea urchins measuring less than
				  21/16 inches shall not be in
				  violation of Chapter 26.02 if that person is in possession of a bill of lading
				  for the amount of the sea urchins exceeding the tolerance amount showing those
				  sea urchins were lawfully obtained from an origin outside the State of Maine.
				  The absence of a bill of lading shall be prima facie evidence that the sea
				  urchins were taken from waters within the jurisdiction of the State of
				  Maine.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 26 - SEA URCHINS › Section 188-26-03 - Sea Urchin Maximum Size and Tolerance

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
				Prohibition
It is unlawful for any person to take, possess, ship,
				  transfer, transport, buy, or sell a sea urchin having a shell measuring more
				  than 3 inches in the longest diameter, measuring from the top or bottom of the
				  urchin, exclusive of spines.
2. Exceptions to 26.03(1) Prohibition
A. Possession Tolerance for All Persons
Any person may possess sea urchins measuring more than 3
				  inches if they comprise less than 5% of any bulk pile.
B. Take Tolerance for Harvesters
(1) Zone 1 & 2 Divers
Zone 1 & 2 divers may take sea urchins that are more
				  than 3 inches if they comprise less than 20% of any bulk pile prior to culling
				  on board.
(2) Take
				Tolerance for All Other Harvesters
All licensed sea urchin harvesters except Zone 1 & 2
				  divers may take sea urchins that are more than 3 inches prior to culling on
				  board.
C. Sea
				Urchins Obtained Outside the State of Maine
Any person exceeding the possession tolerance of this
				  regulation for sea urchins measuring more than 3 inches shall not be in
				  violation of Chapter 26.03 if that person is in possession of a bill of lading
				  for the amount of the sea urchins exceeding the tolerance amount showing those
				  sea urchins were lawfully obtained from an origin outside the State of Maine.
				  The absence of a bill of lading shall be prima facie evidence that the sea
				  urchins were taken from waters within the jurisdiction of the State of
				  Maine.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 26 - SEA URCHINS › Section 188-26-05 - Sea Urchin Drag Regulation

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
A. It shall be unlawful to fish for, possess
				or take sea urchins with a drag, or combination of drags, in excess of 5 feet
				six inches effective fishing width (by measuring from the extreme outside of
				the mouth of the drag or drags), within Maine's coastal waters.
B. Escape Panel - Zone 2
It shall be unlawful to fish for, possess, or take sea
				  urchins in Zone 2 with a drag that does not have an escape panel.
(1) Configuration of Escape Panel
(a) The panel shall consist of a single layer
				of netting in the top of the drag above the chains.
(b) There can be no liner or other material
				or device obstructing any part of the panel.
(c) The panel must be at least 2 feet deep
				(from front to back of the drag) and extend across the full width of the
				drag.
(d) The mesh of the netting
				must be hung "square", not "diamond", that is, the twines of the mesh going one
				way must run parallel to the front (mouth) of the drag and the twines of the
				mesh going the other way must run perpendicular to the front (mouth) of the
				drag, not diagonally.
(e) The
				meshes must measure at least 2 inches from the middle of one knot to the middle
				of the next adjacent knot.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 26 - SEA URCHINS › Section 188-26-07 - Sea Urchin Harvesting Season 2023-2024 pursuant to 12 M.R.S. section 6749

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Harvesters may choose 15 of the available days in Zone 1 and
				  30 of the potential 40 available days in Zone 2.
1. Zone 1 [as defined by
				12 M.R.S.
				§6749-N(1)] .
				Harvesters may choose 15 of the available fishing days.
A. One season for divers, trappers, rakers
				and draggers
The Zone 1 season for all sectors, who have certified Zone 1
				  on forms provided by the Commissioner, is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
				  Thursdays and Fridays in October, November and December 2023, and January and
				  February 2024. Divers, trappers, rakers and draggers may fish no more than 15
				  of these days.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 26 - SEA URCHINS › Section 188-26-12 - Tagging

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Each tote of sea urchins transported or shipped whole must
				  be accompanied by a tag with date of purchase and harvester license number
				  affixed by a license dealer.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 26 - SEA URCHINS › Section 188-26-15 - Sea Urchin Harvester License Limited Entry System

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Beginning August 1, 2004, no new sea urchin harvesting
				  licenses will be issued, and no lotteries will be held.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 26 - SEA URCHINS › Section 188-26-19 - Limited Access Areas

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Transiting exception:
Any vessel possessing urchins on board, may transit the
				  Limited Access Area, only if the vessel has all fishing gear (dredges, drags,
				  regulators, buoyancy compensators, fins, tanks, weight belts) 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 the block or on the
				  winch for draggers, while regulators, buoyancy compensators and tanks should be
				  disconnected with fins and weight belts removed for divers.
1. Whiting and Denny's Bay Area (Zone 2).
				Harvesters may choose up to 15 days of the following applicable season open
				days for the Whiting and Denny's Bay limited access area to fish within their
				30 days available for harvest.
A. Early
				season for divers, trappers and rakers
It shall be unlawful to fish for, take, or possess urchins
				  west of a line starting at the western end of Mahar Point, Pembroke, due south
				  to the nearest point of land on Crow Neck, Trescott, to include all of Whiting
				  and Denny's Bay except by divers, trappers, and rakers who have certified the
				  early season on forms provided by the Commissioner on Wednesdays in October,
				  November and December, 2023; and also October 17 and 24, 2023.
B. Late season for divers,
				trappers and rakers
It shall be unlawful to fish for, take, or possess urchins
				  west of a line starting at the western end of Mahar Point, Pembroke, due south
				  to the nearest point of land on Crow Neck, Trescott, to include all of Whiting
				  and Denny's Bay except by divers, trappers and rakers who have certified the
				  late season on forms provided by the Commissioner on Tuesdays in December 2023;
				  Tuesdays in January and February 2024, except Tuesday, February 20, 2024, which
				  shall be closed; Wednesday, February 14, 2024 and March 5, and 12, 2024.
C. Early season for draggers
It shall be unlawful to fish for, take, or possess urchins
				  west of a line starting at the western end of Mahar Point, Pembroke, due south
				  to the nearest point of land on Crow Neck, Trescott, to include all of Whiting
				  and Denny's Bay except by draggers who have certified the early season on forms
				  provided by the Commissioner, on Thursdays in October, November and December
				  2023, except November 23, 2022 which shall be closed; and January 4, 11, and
				  18, 2024.
D. Late season
				for draggers
It shall be unlawful to fish for, take, or possess urchins
				  west of a line starting at the western end of Mahar Point, Pembroke, due south
				  to the nearest point of land on Crow Neck, Trescott, to include all of Whiting
				  and Denny's Bay except by draggers who have certified the late season on forms
				  provided by the Commissioner, on Thursdays in December, 2023, Thursdays in
				  January, and February 2024; and March 7 and 14, 2024.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 26 - SEA URCHINS › Section 188-26-20 - Targeted Closures

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It shall be unlawful to fish for, take, or possess urchins
				  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 urchins on board, may transit these
				  targeted closures, only if the vessel has all fishing gear (dredges, drags,
				  regulators, buoyancy compensators, fins, tanks, weight belts) 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 the block or on the
				  winch for draggers, while regulators, buoyancy compensators and tanks should be
				  disconnected with fins and weight belts removed for divers.
1. Cat Ledges Area:
It shall be unlawful to fish for, take, or possess urchins
				  inside a line drawn from the southwestern tip of Pratt Island, Southport
				  Island, then south to Red Gong "4CL", then northeast to the prominent point on
				  the eastern shore of Christmas Cove.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 26 - SEA URCHINS › Section 188-26-40 - Tote Limits

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. Zone 1
It is unlawful for Zone 1 sea urchin divers, rakers or
				  trappers to fish for, take or possess more than nine (9) standard size
				  stackable fish totes of sea urchins per day in Maine's territorial waters. A
				  standard size stackable fish tote is defined as 28" Long x 16" Wide x 11" Deep
				  when measured inside at the shelf level.
It is unlawful for Zone 1 drag vessels to fish for, take or
				  possess more than nine (9) standard size stackable fish totes of sea urchins
				  per day in Maine's territorial waters. A standard size stackable fish tote is
				  defined as 28" Long x 16" Wide x 11" Deep when measured inside at the shelf
				  level.
2. Zone 2
It is unlawful for Zone 2 sea urchin divers, rakers or
				  trappers to fish for, take or possess more than six (6) standard size stackable
				  fish totes of sea urchins per day in Maine's territorial waters. A standard
				  size stackable fish tote is defined as 28" Long x 16" Wide x 11" Deep when
				  measured inside at the shelf level.
It is unlawful for Zone 2 drag vessels to fish for, take or
				  possess more than six (6) standard size stackable fish totes of sea urchins per
				  day in Maine's territorial waters. A standard size stackable fish tote is
				  defined as 28" Long x 16" Wide x 11" Deep when measured inside at the shelf
				  level.
3. Implementation
It is unlawful to off load sea urchins, or any parts of sea
				  urchins, and then return to fishing for sea urchins the same day in Maine's
				  territorial waters. In addition it is unlawful to transfer sea urchins, or any
				  parts of sea urchins to or from another vessel at sea, except for tender
				  vessels transiting to primary vessels during diving operations.
It is unlawful for a dealer to purchase more than nine (9)
				  standard size stackable fish totes from one licensed Zone 1 harvester per
				  day.
It is unlawful for a dealer to purchase more than six (6)
				  standard size stackable fish totes from one licensed Zone 2 harvester per
				  day.
Standard size stackable fish totes, with respect to the
				  urchin fishery, means totes shall not be filled with sea urchins in a manner
				  which prevents them from being stacked one on top of the other as designed. The
				  bottom of one tote shall rest on the shelves of the tote
				  below.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 27 - SEA CUCUMBERS › Section 188-27-01 - Sea Cucumber Drag Size Restrictions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. Drag
				Configuration
It shall be unlawful to possess on any vessel fishing for sea
				  cucumbers, or to fish for or take sea cucumbers with, any drag having the
				  following configurations:
(1) Drag
				width exceeding 5 feet, 6 inches, measured from the extreme outside edge to
				extreme outside edge, consistent with
				 12 M.R.S.A.
				§6812(1);
(2) Drag total length in excess of twenty-two
				feet (22'), measured from the top of the head bail to the terminal end;
				and,
(3) A drag head bail that is
				constructed of greater than one and one-half inch (1 1/2") round steel
				stock.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 27 - SEA CUCUMBERS › Section 188-27-02 - Nighttime Harvesting Prohibition

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It shall be unlawful to fish for or take sea cucumbers during
				  the nighttime hours between sunset (as defined in 12 M.R.S.A. §600146 )
				  and sunrise (as defined in 12 M.R.S.A. §600145 ) within Maine's
				  territorial seas.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 27 - SEA CUCUMBERS › Section 188-27-03 - Sea Cucumber Endorsement and Reporting Regulations

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. Reporting required: See Chapter 8.20(B)
				Landings Program
B. Incidental
				Take; unlawful to land or sell.
It shall be unlawful to fish for or take sea cucumbers by any
				  method unless the license holder is aboard the vessel in accordance with
				   12 M.R.S.A.
				  §6801-A.
(1) Exception.
No violation of this regulation shall occur if the sea
				  cucumber is immediately liberated alive.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 27 - SEA CUCUMBERS › Section 188-27-05 - Definitions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. Head bail
"Head bail" means that portion of the drag, which is the
				  framework that is attached to the towing cable and holds the bag portion of the
				  drag.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 28 - MARINE WORMS › Section 188-28-01 - Sunday Digging Prohibited

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It shall be unlawful for any person to dig or take, from the
				  shores or flats of the State of Maine, more than 50 marine worms from midnight
				  Saturday to midnight Sunday of each week.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 29 - SEAWEED › Section 188-29-01 - Definitions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Lateral branching
"Lateral branches" are branches that fork from the stalk or
				  main axis of the seaweed.
B.
Holdfast
The "holdfast" is the base of the seaweed plant that attaches
				  the seaweed to the substrate.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 29 - SEAWEED › Section 188-29-05 - Harvesting Restrictions for Rockweed

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. The
				seaweed
Ascophyllum nodosum,
also known as rockweed, must be
				harvested according to the following criteria:
(1) the lowest lateral branches shall remain
				undisturbed and attached to the main stalk of the rockweed that is attached to
				the substrate; and
(2) a minimum of
				16 inches of the rockweed shall remain above the holdfast.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 30 - RIVER HERRING › Section 188-30-01 - Definitions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. In addition to the definitions set forth
				in
				12 M.R.S.
				§6001, the following definitions shall
				apply in interpretation of Chapter 30.
1.
				"River Herring" means the species
Alosa pseudoharengus
commonly called alewife, and
Alosa aestivalis,
commonly called
				blueback herring.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 30 - RIVER HERRING › Section 188-30-03 - Taking of river herring from Walker's Brook

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Except from May 15 through June 5, it shall be unlawful for
				  any person to take, in any manner, river herring from the waters of Walker's
				  Brook, so-called, that runs between Walker's Pond and the Bagaduce River in the
				  Towns of Brooksville and Sedgewick.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 30 - RIVER HERRING › Section 188-30-04 - Taking of river herring in the Town of Orland regulated

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The St. Regis Paper Company or its successors shall be
				  required from the 15th day of April to the first day of December of each year,
				  at their own expense, to keep the fishways at the lower and upper dams of the
				  Eastern River in repair and in such order at all times so that the passage of
				  said fish into, or out of, Lake Alamoosook, so called, will not be
				  hindered.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 30 - RIVER HERRING › Section 188-30-05 - Taking of river herring in Georges River

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. It shall be unlawful to construct, set,
				maintain or use any net or seine in the water of Georges River above a line
				drawn from Hooper's Point in the Town of St. George, westerly past the
				northerly end of Caldwell's Island to a point opposite on the shore in the town
				of Cushing, for the purpose of taking or catching river herring between April
				1st and July 15th. Nothing herein shall be construed to abridge or affect in
				any manner the rights and privileges now held by law by the Town of Warren in
				the river herring fishing in the said Georges River.
B. Between April 20th and June 15th of each
				year no one shall fish, disturb or molest the river herring, or operate any
				boat within 1,000 feet of the river herring trap, located approximately 500
				feet south of the Lower Warren Village Bridge on the Georges River.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 30 - RIVER HERRING › Section 188-30-06 - Taking of river herring in Damariscotta River

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. It shall be unlawful to construct, set,
				maintain, or use any net, weir, seine or other device, in the waters of the
				Damariscotta River, northerly of the bridge between the Villages of Newcastle
				and Damariscotta, for the purpose of taking or catching river herring. No one
				shall fish, disturb or molest the river herring in any way, west of the
				railroad bridge, from April 20th to June 15th. Nothing herein shall be
				construed to abridge nor affect in any manner the rights and privileges now
				held by law by the Towns of Newcastle and Nobleboro in the river herring
				fishery in the said Damariscotta River.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 31 - HORSESHOE CRABS › Section 188-31-05 - Horseshoe Crabs - Permit and Reporting requirements

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. It is unlawful to take horseshoe crabs
				without a permit from the Commissioner. A permit may be obtained, without
				charge, upon request to the Department of Marine Resources, State House Station
				21, Augusta, Maine 04333-0021.
B.
				Reporting: See Chapter 8.20(D) Landings Program
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 31 - HORSESHOE CRABS › Section 188-31-10 - Horseshoe Crabs - Daily and Possession limits

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. It is unlawful to take more than 25
				horseshoe crabs per person per day.
B. It is unlawful to possess more than 25
				horseshoe crabs per person.
(1) Exception
This regulation does not prohibit the possession of horseshoe
				  crabs lawfully imported from other jurisdictions provided the origin of
				  horseshoe crabs is documented.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 32 - EEL REGULATIONS › Section 188-32-01 - Definitions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
For the purposes of compliance with this chapter:
1. An eel means a member of the species
				Anguilla rostrata in that stage of its life cycle when it is 9 inches or more
				in length.
2. An elver means a
				member of the species Anguilla rostrata that will pass through a 1/8"
				non-stretchable mesh net.
3. A
				pigmented eel means a member of the species Anguilla rostrata in that stage of
				its life cycle when it will not pass through a 1/8" non-stretchable mesh but is
				less than 9 inches in length.
4.
				Fishing day means from 12:00 p.m. local time until 11:59 a.m. local time the
				following day.
5. Transaction card
				means a physical device or other Department approved technology provided for
				the purpose of recording elver transactions.