reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 32 - EEL REGULATIONS › Section 188-32-03 - Harvesting Regulations

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
Elvers
A.
Area
				Closures
Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on March 30, 2020 it shall be lawful
				  to fish for or take or possess elvers from coastal waters of the state.
It shall be unlawful to fish for, take or possess elvers in
				  the following areas:
1)
Camden
				Harbor
- upstream of a line drawn from the northernmost point of the
				granite pier of the Camden Town Landing, to the southernmost point of the
				granite wall that borders on the northern side of the Megunticook
				River.
2)
Franklin
-
				by any means other than dip net, from May 1 to May 31 of any year within 327
				feet (109 yards) downstream of the bridge that crosses Mill Brook on the Grist
				Mill Road in the town of Franklin.
3)
Bangor
- in the Penobscot
				River upstream of a line approximately 3100 feet downstream of where the Veazie
				dam once existed. The line will run on the downstream side of the Bangor Water
				District Pipeline crossing and will be identified by red posts on both sides of
				the river. The eastern end of the closure line will be identified by a red post
				located in front of the Eddington Salmon Club. The closure line will run in a
				westerly direction across the river and be identified by a second red post
				located in the town of Veazie.
4)
Brewer
- in the Sedgeunkedunk Stream upstream of the Route 15
				crossing.
5)
Bangor
-
				in the Kenduskeag Stream upstream of the Harlow Street bridge.
6)
Bangor
- in the Peniajawoc
				Stream upstream of the Route 2 crossing
7)
Ellsworth
- in Card's Brook
				upstream of the Route 230 crossing.
8)
Tremont
- in Seal Cove
				upstream of the Route 102-A bridge.
9)
Gardiner
- within the
				Kennebec River, bounded on the northern side by the northern side of the
				Gardiner-Randolph bridge, and on the southern side by the southernmost end of
				the Gardiner seawall to a red painted post located on eastern shore of the
				Kennebec River directly across from the seawall. Cobbosseecontee Stream is
				closed to fishing for, taking, or possessing elvers from its confluence with
				the Kennebec River and all waters upstream.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 32 - EEL REGULATIONS › Section 188-32-05 - Area Closures - Eel Fishing

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. Kennebec
				River and Cobbosseecontee Stream - It shall be unlawful to fish for or take
				eels from the Kennebec River bounded on the northern side by the northern side
				of the Gardiner-Randolph bridge, and on the southern side by the southernmost
				end of the Gardiner seawall to a red painted post located on eastern shore of
				the Kennebec River directly across from the seawall. Cobbosseecontee Stream is
				closed to fishing for, taking, or possessing eels from its confluence with the
				Kennebec River and all waters upstream.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 32 - EEL REGULATIONS › Section 188-32-07 - Elver Harvesting Limitations; Gear

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It is unlawful for a person to fish for or take elvers by any
				  method other than dip net, unless authorized to fish for or take elvers by
				  elver fyke net or Sheldon eel trap pursuant to 12 M.R.S. §
									6575-B sub-§
									2- B, or by elver fyke net pursuant to
				  12 M.R.S. §
									6302-A sub-§
									3 E, E-1, F, or G.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 32 - EEL REGULATIONS › Section 188-32-35 - Elver Quota System for 2023 Elver Season

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. The
				total allowable catch of elvers for 2023 for individuals licensed to fish for
				elvers under 12 M.R.S. §§
									6505-A and
				6302-A is 9,688 lbs.
B. The total allowable catch of elvers for
				individuals licensed to fish for elvers established in accordance 12 M.R.S.
				§
									6505- A(3-A)(B)
				for 2023 is 7,566 lbs.
C. The total
				allowable catch of elvers for individuals licensed to fish for elvers under
				§
									6302- A,
				established in accordance with 12 M.R.S. §
									6505- A(3-A)(C) for 2023 is 2,122
				lbs. A total of 2,122 lbs. allowable catch is allocated pursuant to 12 M.R.S.
				§
									6302- B,
				subsection
				1 as follows:
1. 1287.29 lbs. to the Passamaquoddy
				Tribe
2. 620 lbs. to the Penobscot
				Nation
3. 107 lbs. to the Houlton
				Band of Maliseet Indians
4. 39 lbs.
				to the Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians.
69.03 lbs. was deducted from the amount of quota allocated to
				  the Passamaquoddy Tribe for 2023 to compensate for the overage in their 2022
				  quota, in accordance with §
											6302- B.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 32 - EEL REGULATIONS › Section 188-32-40 - Elver Transaction Cards

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for an elver transaction card, the
				  individual must be licensed according to 12 M.R.S. §
										6505-A or
				  12 M.R.S. §
										6302- A. Valid transaction cards
				  may only be issued by the Department of Marine Resources.
2.
Use
It shall be unlawful for a licensed elver harvester to sell
				  or transfer elvers (or glass eels) the license holder has caught to an elver
				  dealer licensed under 12 M.R.S. §
										6864, unless he/she presents a
				  DMR-issued transaction card to the elver dealer during each transaction and
				  that card is used to document the transaction. Transaction cards may only be
				  used to sell elvers which were harvested by the individual identified on the
				  transaction card. A law enforcement officer may seize the transaction card of
				  an individual who has used their transaction card to sell elvers they did not
				  harvest.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 32 - EEL REGULATIONS › Section 188-32-41 - Elver Dealer Transaction Card

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. A person
				licensed in accordance with 12 M.R.S. §
									6864 shall be eligible to obtain an
				elver dealer transaction card for the primary facility named on the license and
				for each supplemental license. Elver dealer transaction cards may only be
				issued through the Maine Department of Marine Resources.
2. A person licensed in accordance with 12
				M.R.S. §
									6864 must utilize an elver dealer
				transaction card to record all sales, purchase, or transfer transactions
				involving another license issued in accordance with 12 M.R.S §
									6864 and must provide all
				information required by the transaction card system. It is unlawful for a
				person licensed in accordance with 12 M.R.S. §
									6864 to sell, buy, or transfer
				elvers in any transaction involving another license issued in accordance with
				12 M.R.S §
									6864 without utilizing an Elver
				Dealer Transaction Card. A person licensed in accordance with 12 M.R.S. §
									6864 must have an operational
				internet connection when using the elver dealer transaction card to buy or sell
				or transfer or transport elvers.
3.
				A person licensed in accordance with 12 M.R.S. §
									6864 shall maintain transaction card
				documentation to account for all elvers in their possession. Failure to provide
				proper documentation will be prima facie evidence that the elvers are illegal
				and are subject to seizure.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 32 - EEL REGULATIONS › Section 188-32-42 - Elver Dealer Limitations and Requirements

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. No more
				than one elver dealer license holder may engage in the activities authorized by
				the elver dealer license at a single physical address.
2. When selling or transferring elvers from a
				vehicle to facility, it is unlawful to sell or transfer any amount of elvers
				less than the full amount of elvers present on the vehicle.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 32 - EEL REGULATIONS › Section 188-32-43 - Elver Exporter Requirements

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. Forty-eight (48)
				hours prior to preparing elvers for export out of the state, the elver export
				license holder must notify the Maine Marine Patrol of their intention to
				prepare a shipment of elvers for export.
2. The elver export license holder must make
				arrangements for Maine Marine Patrol to be present when they are preparing the
				elvers for shipment. A Maine Marine Patrol Officer must be present to witness
				the weighing and packing of the elvers for export.
3. Upon completion of the packing of the
				elvers for export out of the state of Maine, the Marine Patrol Officer will
				seal the shipment of elvers. Seals must remain intact and untampered with until
				the elvers reach their destination for shipment out of the country. The absence
				of a seal, or a seal that has been broken or otherwise shows signs of having
				been tampered with is prima facie evidence that the elvers are illegal and
				subject to seizure.
4. The Marine
				Patrol Officer will mark the package of elvers with weight of the elvers
				contained within the package and the total weight of the package. If this
				information is not on the package, it is prima facie evidence that the elvers
				are illegal and subject to seizure.
5. The fee for the inspection of a shipment
				of elvers for export is $500 per export event. The elver export license holder
				requesting the inspection must pay the fee to DMR within 2 business days of the
				completion of the elver export inspection. No additional exports may be
				authorized until the fee from the prior export event has been paid in
				full.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 32 - EEL REGULATIONS › Section 188-32-45 - Elver Record Keeping

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Elver dealers must maintain paper records pertaining to all
				  elver purchases and shipments. These records must be made available to the
				  Department upon request and must comply with the following:
1. Each license holder must have a business
				address at which the records are maintained;
2. The records must be complete, accurate and
				legible;
3. The records must be
				sufficient to allow each purchase and shipment of elvers to be tracked by date
				of purchase from harvester, harvester name and landings number, who the elvers
				were sold to.
4. The records must
				be retained for a minimum of three years.
DMR provided reporting software must be synchronized for
				  updates to the reporting system prior to the purchase of elvers on each fishing
				  day as defined in Chapter 32.01(4).
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 32 - EEL REGULATIONS › Section 188-32-50 - Elver Dealer Meeting to Prepare for the 2019 Elver Season

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The commissioner may hold a mandatory elver dealer meeting in
				  advance of the elver season. If a meeting is held, any individual licensed
				  under 12 M.R.S. §
									6864 or §
									6865, and any authorized
				  representative of a license holder must attend a meeting held at the Department
				  offices in Augusta. Notice of the date and time of the meeting will be emailed
				  to the address provided by the license holder on their license application and
				  posted to the DMR website. If an individual licensed under 12 M.R.S. §
									6864 does not attend the meeting, a
				  marine patrol officer may seize any recording equipment issued by the
				  Department to the individual licensed under 12 M.R.S. §
									6864.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 32 - EEL REGULATIONS › Section 188-32-60 - Transport of Elvers Through the State of Maine

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A person may not possess elvers harvested outside the State
				  of Maine, except that elvers legally harvested outside the State of Maine may
				  be transported through the State under the authority of the laws of the United
				  States. Elvers transported through the State must be accompanied by a bill of
				  lading that identifies the product amount by weight and the origin of the
				  product. Elvers transported through the State must remain in the transport
				  vehicle and may not be commingled with Maine elvers.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 34 - GROUNDFISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-34-02 - Methods of Mesh Measurement

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Gillnets
Mesh size of gillnet gear shall be measured by lining up five
				  consecutive knots perpendicular to the float line and, with a ruler or tape
				  measure, measuring ten consecutive measures on the diamond, inside knot to
				  inside knot. The mesh shall be the average of the measurements of ten
				  consecutive measures.
B.
All other nets
Mesh size for nets other than gillnets, shall be measured
				  with a DMR issued net measure which has been certified for accuracy.
C.
Square-mesh
				measurement
Square mesh in the regulated portion of the net is measured
				  by placing the net gauge along the diagonal line that connects the largest
				  opening between opposite corners of the square. The square mesh size is the
				  average of the measurements of 20 consecutive adjacent meshes from the terminus
				  forward along the long axis of the net. The square mesh is measured at least
				  five meshes away from the lacings of the net.
D.
Diamond-mesh measurements
Diamond mesh in the regulated portion of the net shall be
				  measured in a direction parallel to the long axis of the net. Mesh size is
				  determined by averaging the measurements for a series of 20 consecutive meshes.
				  Mesh measurements must be taken at least five meshes away from the lacings of
				  the net.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 34 - GROUNDFISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-34-03 - Groundfish Spawning Closures

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Boothbay
				and Sheepscot Bay Groundfish Closure
It shall be unlawful to fish for or take groundfish with any
				  type of gear, or to possess groundfish so taken, from the following described
				  area from May 1 through June 30 of any year:
In Boothbay, Sheepscot Bay, Linnekin Bay and Sheepscot River,
				  in Lincoln and Sagadahoc Counties, starting at the Sloop Ledge navigational
				  buoy C "5", then running in a Southerly direction to the navigational buoy at
				  the Sisters N "4S", then running Southeast to the navigational buoy N "2" at
				  Tom Rock; then continuing on a line true South (180 degrees true) approximately
				  1.8 miles to a point at position 43 42.06'N / 069 43.06'W intersecting a line
				  drawn from the Mile Ledge Bell Buoy R "20ML" to the Bantam Rock Bell R "2";
				  then continuing in an Northeasterly direction (067 degrees true) along the line
				  from the Mile Ledge Bell Buoy to the Bantam Rock Bell Buoy approximately 4.5
				  miles to the Bantam Rock Bell; then Northerly to and along the Western shore of
				  Damariscove Island; then to and along the western shore of Fisherman Island to
				  its Northern tip; then Northerly to the Southern tip of Ocean Point on Linnekin
				  Neck.
B.
Maine
				Groundfish Spawning Closure
Except for recreational harvest authorized by this chapter,
				  it is illegal to fish for, take, or have in possession groundfish listed under
				  this part during the months of April, May and June. Maine's territorial waters
				  are closed to commercial harvest as follows: All territorial waters west of a
				  line, running 180° magnetic from West Quoddy Head, in Lubec, to the
				  Canadian international border. Commercial ground fishing vessels must have all
				  fishing gear securely stowed and covered when transiting this area during the
				  closed period. The stowage requirements will not apply to vessels secured to or
				  moving between docks or moorings within a harbor.
C.
GROUNDFISH SPECIES
Common English Name
Scientific Name
American Plaice (Dab)
Hippoglossoides platessoides
Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
Haddock
Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Ocean Pout
Macrozoarces americanus
Pollock (Saithe)
Pollachius virens
Red Hake
Urophycis chuss
Redfish
Sebastes fasciatus
Silver Hake (whiting)
Merluccius bilinearis
White Hake
Urophycis tenuis
Windowpane Flounder
Scophthalmus aquosus
Winter Flounder (Lemon
							 sole/Blackback)
Pleuronectes americanus
Witch Flounder (Gray sole)
Glyptocephalus cynoglossus
Yellowtail Flounder
Pleuronectes ferrugineus
** See Also Groundfish harvesting and gear restrictions found
				  in Department of Marine Resources Regulations 55.35 and 55.40.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 34 - GROUNDFISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-34-04 - Groundfish Gear Restrictions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Except as provided for Atlantic Halibut, It is unlawful to
				  fish commercially in Maine's territorial waters for any species of groundfish,
				  as defined in Chapter 34.01 (F), except in accordance with the following
				  methods and restrictions:
A.
Otter and beam trawl
The minimum mesh size for any otter or beam trawl net on a
				  vessel, or used by any vessel fishing in Maine's territorial waters, shall be 6
				  inches diamond mesh or 6.5 inches square mesh in the body and wings, and 6.5
				  inches diamond mesh or square mesh in the cod end.
B.
Gill net
Sink gillnets must have a mesh size of at least 6.5 inches
				  and be labeled with the owner's commercial fishing license number. Gillnet
				  fishermen may not fish more than fifty sink gillnets at one time. Sink gillnets
				  with mesh measuring less than 6.5 inches are illegal and subject to
				  seizure.
C.
Hooks
The use of hooks on any commercial fishing vessel engaged in
				  tub trawling or long lining shall be 12/0 or greater circle hooks and limited
				  to 250 in number except as provided for Atlantic Halibut in this
				  chapter.
D.
Crucifiers
The use of de-hookers or "crucifiers" with less than 6-inch
				  spacing between the fairlead rollers is prohibited.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 34 - GROUNDFISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-34-06 - Recreational Groundfish Restrictions.

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Prohibited species
Charter, Party and Recreational vessels and/or recreational
				  fishermen are prohibited from retaining, killing or landing Windowpane
				  flounder, Ocean pout and/or Atlantic Wolffish.
B.
Restrictions on Sale
It is unlawful to sell, barter, trade, or otherwise transfer
				  for a commercial purpose, or to attempt to sell, barter, trade, or otherwise
				  transfer for a commercial purpose, groundfish caught or landed by charter,
				  party, or recreational fishing vessels.
C.
Recreational Size Limits
1. Persons aboard charter, party and
				recreational fishing vessels are subject to the following minimum fish sizes:
Minimum Fish Sizes
							 (TL)
Species
Size Inches (cm)
Cod
							 ..............................................................
22 (55.9 cm)
American plaice (dab)
							 ..................................
14 (35.6 cm)
Monkfish
							 ......................................................
17 (43.2 cm)
Redfish
							 .........................................................
9 (22.9 cm)
Summer
							 Flounder.......................................................
20 (50.8 cm)
Winter Flounder (blackback)
							 ........................
12 (30.5 cm)
Witch Flounder (gray sole)
							 ...........................
14 (35.6 cm)
Yellowtail Flounder
							 ......................................
13 (33.0 cm)
2.
Haddock recreational size limits
(a) The recreational minimum size limit (TL)
				for charter and party vessels, as defined in Section
				34.01(C), is 18
				inches (45.7 cm).
(b) The
				recreational minimum size limit (TL) for recreational fishing vessels, as
				defined in Section
				34.01(L), is 17
				inches (43.2 cm).
3.
Exceptions
Vessels may possess fillets less than the minimum size
				  specified, if the fillets are taken from legal-sized fish and are not offered
				  or intended for sale, trade or barter. This exception shall not apply to
				  Atlantic Halibut.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 34 - GROUNDFISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-34-07 - Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Season for Maine's Territorial
				Waters
The open season to fish for Atlantic Halibut in Maine's
				  territorial waters shall begin at sunrise May 18th and end at sunset June
				  13th.
B.
License
				Requirements
1. Commercial halibut
				fishermen must obtain a Commercial Halibut License.
Commercial Halibut License holders must declare the vessel at
				  the time of license issuance or renewal, to which that license holder's tags
				  will be allocated. The license holder may only fish for halibut from the vessel
				  that was declared at the time of license issuance or renewal and to which that
				  license holders' tags were allocated.
2. Recreational fishermen are not required to
				obtain a Commercial Halibut License to fish for Atlantic Halibut but must
				declare a vessel for which their recreational landings tags will be
				assigned.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 34 - GROUNDFISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-34-08 - Whiting/Silver Hake (Merluccius-Bilinearis) Commercial Effort Restrictions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Maine Territorial Waters Gear
				Prohibition and Season
1. It shall be
				unlawful for any person to take, harvest, or fish for Whiting in Maine's
				territorial waters by any method from December 1st through June
				30th.
(a)
Exemption
: A person participating in the northern shrimp fishery
				may retain Whiting taken as by-catch less than or equal to the amount of shrimp
				on board, but not to exceed 3,500 pounds. These persons must possess a
				Commercial Northern Shrimp license issued in accordance with 12 M.R.S. §
											6804; as well as, a Commercial
				Pelagic and Anadromous Fishing License in accordance with 12 M.R.S. §
											6502-A with a Whiting endorsement
				pursuant to Chapter 34.08 C.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 37 - FRESHWATER FISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-37-01 - Method of Taking

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It shall be unlawful to fish for or take freshwater fish as
				  defined in
				  12 M.R.S.A.
				  §6001(17-A) by any
				  means other than hook and line.
A.
Exception
: A person lawfully engaged in the aquaculture of any
				freshwater fish as defined in
				 12 M.R.S.A.
				§6001(17-A), shall be
				exempt from this section provided that that person holds a special license, if
				required, under
				12 M.R.S.A.
				§6074.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 37 - FRESHWATER FISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-37-02 - Prohibitions on the Taking or Possession of Landlocked Salmon, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. It shall be
				unlawful to take or possess landlocked salmon, brown trout, or rainbow trout,
				which are less than 14 inches in total length from the coastal waters of the
				State of Maine. It shall be unlawful to take or possess landlocked salmon, or
				brown trout which are greater than 25 inches total length, from the coastal
				waters of the State of Maine.
B.
				Penobscot River: It shall be unlawful to take or possess landlocked salmon,
				brown trout, or rainbow trout from tidal waters upstream and north of the
				Penobscot Narrows Bridge and north of the Verona Island Bridge.
C. A person lawfully engaged in the
				aquaculture of landlocked salmon, brown trout, or rainbow trout shall be exempt
				from Chapter 37.02(A) provided that person holds a lease or special license, if
				required, pursuant to
				12
				M.R.S.§§6072,
				6072-A,
				6073-A,
				6073-D
				or
				6074.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 37 - FRESHWATER FISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-37-03 - Bag and Possession Limits for Landlocked Salmon, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. It shall be
				unlawful to take or possess more than five (5) of the above-mentioned species,
				of which not more than two (2) may be landlocked salmon, two (2) brown trout,
				or two (2) rainbow trout. All five (5) may be brook trout.
2. A person lawfully engaged in the
				aquaculture of landlocked salmon, brown trout, or rainbow trout shall be exempt
				from this section provided that that person holds a special license, if
				required, under
				12 M.R.S.A.
				§6074.
3. Any fish captured in inland waters shall
				be counted against the bag and possession limits in coastal waters.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 37 - FRESHWATER FISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-37-04 - Minimum Length Limit for Brook Trout

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It shall be unlawful to take or possess brook trout which are
				  less than 6 inches in total length from the coastal waters of the State of
				  Maine.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 37 - FRESHWATER FISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-37-05 - Minimum Length for Black Bass (Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass)

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It shall be unlawful to take or possess black bass which are
				  less than 12 inches in total length.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 37 - FRESHWATER FISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-37-06 - Bag and Possession Limits for Black Bass

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. It shall be unlawful to take or possess
				more than three (3) black bass from the coastal waters of the State of Maine.
				Only one black bass may exceed 14 inches in total length.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 37 - FRESHWATER FISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-37-07 - Jigging for Certain Freshwater Fish Species

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It shall be unlawful to jig for "freshwater fish" as defined
				  in
				  12 M.R.S.A.
				  §6001(17-A) in the
				  coastal waters of Maine. For the purpose of this regulation, "jigging" means
				  "fishing for, catching, or killing with a hook or hooks manipulated in such a
				  manner as to pierce and hook a fish in any part of its body other than the
				  mouth."
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 37 - FRESHWATER FISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-37-08 - Removal of Heads and Tails

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It is illegal to remove the heads or tails from "freshwater"
				  fish as defined in
				  12 M.R.S.A.
				  §6001(17-A) unless the
				  dressed length is equal to or greater than the legal length or unless the fish
				  is being prepared for immediate cooking.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 37 - FRESHWATER FISH REGULATIONS › Section 188-37-09 - Bass tournament permits in Maine Coastal Waters

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A person or an organization may not conduct a bass tournament
				  or fishing derby for freshwater species in the coastal waters of the State
				  without a permit issued by Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as outlined in
				  12 M.R.S.
				  §12505. Approved permits for Maine
				  Coastal Waters will be provided by the license holder to the Maine Marine
				  Patrol Division Office holding jurisdiction over the tournament/derby
				  location.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 39 - STURGEON RULE › Section 188-39-02 - Sturgeon Fishing - Closed Area

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. It shall be
				unlawful for any person to take, catch, or destroy any shortnose or Atlantic
				sturgeon from the coastal waters of Maine.
B. Possession
It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any short-nose
				  or Atlantic sturgeon within the State of Maine
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 40 - SMELT REGULATIONS › Section 188-40-12 - Taking of Smelts from the Coastal Waters of Maine

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Definitions
1. Smelt Management "Zone One (1)" includes
				all coastal waters West of Owl's Head Lighthouse to the boundary of the State's
				coastal waters to the New Hampshire border.
2. Smelt Management "Zone Two (2)" includes
				all coastal waters East of the Owl's Head Lighthouse including all coastal
				waters of the Penobscot River extending to Naskeag Point, including Deer Isle
				and Stonington.
3. Smelt Management
				"Zone Three (3)" includes all coastal waters East of Naskeag Point to the
				US/Canada Border.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 41 - MENHADEN › Section 188-41-05 - Prohibitions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. It is unlawful to fish for, take, possess,
				or land menhaden except from Maine's territorial waters.
2. It is unlawful to fish for, take or land
				menhaden except between May 1 and November 30, both days inclusive.
3. It is unlawful to fish for or take
				Atlantic menhaden by vessels rigged with a midwater, otter or beam trawl net in
				Maine territorial waters.
4. It is
				unlawful to use a vessel to fish for or take menhaden that exceeds 50 feet
				overall length as shown on the vessel's current USCG documentation or State
				registration.
5. It is unlawful for
				any vessel other than the harvester vessel that made the set to remove fish
				from the purse seine or gillnet. If more than one vessel is used to set the
				seine or net, only the vessel from which the seine or net was removed may take
				or possess menhaden from the seine or net.
Exception: A vessel listed on a Commercial Menhaden License
				  holder's license, other than the harvester vessel that made the set, may remove
				  fish from a purse seine under the conditions of an approved Designated
				  Partnership Agreement as specified in 41.06.
6. It is unlawful for the holder of a
				menhaden license to take menhaden using a gear type not authorized for their
				license type, as specified in either section 41.30 or 41.40. Permitted gears
				include anchored/staked gillnets, bait gillnets, cast nets, drift gill nets,
				fish weirs, floating fish traps, fyke nets, hand seines, hand lines, hook and
				line, stop seines, pots, pound nets, and purse seines. Permitted gears are
				dependent upon which commercial fishery phase is open.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 41 - MENHADEN › Section 188-41-06 - Designated Partnership Agreement

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. Prior to May
				31st, annually, each Commercial Menhaden License holder requesting to enter
				into a Designated Partnership Agreement shall complete application forms
				provided by the Commissioner. Forms must include the following information:
i. Licensee name and license number of both
				partners
ii. Vessel name and number
				listed on each partner's license
iii. Primary landing port of each
				vessel
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 41 - MENHADEN › Section 188-41-10 - Suspension of Rules

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The Commissioner has the authority to suspend all regulations
				  in the event of a potential fish kill upon consultation with industry and
				  Marine Patrol. Notice of rule suspension and duration shall be provided via
				  direct notice to the email address and phone number provided by the license
				  holder, and on the Department's publicly accessible website.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 41 - MENHADEN › Section 188-41-20 - Reporting

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
Commercial Menhaden Fishing
				License
All harvesters must report all landed and retained fish daily
				  to the Department via an approved electronic reporting option by 11:59 PM the
				  day of landing or retention. If no landings or retention occurred on a calendar
				  day, a negative report is required.
Exception: Daily reporting is not required for the Incidental
				  Catch and Small Scale Fishery as described in 41.30(3). Weekly electronic
				  reporting remains a requirement. Trip level reports are due weekly by 11:59 pm
				  Sunday.
2.
Noncommercial Menhaden Fishing License
All harvesters must report trip level landings and retention
				  to the Department via an approved electronic reporting option once per week no
				  later than 11:59 pm Sunday. If no landings or retention occur during the week
				  (Monday 12:01 am through Sunday 11:59 pm), a negative report is
				  required.
Harvesters: See Chapter 8.20(M) for reporting
				  requirements.
Dealers: See Chapter 8.10 Landings Program for reporting
				  requirements.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 41 - MENHADEN › Section 188-41-25 - Definitions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. Hogshead: one hogshead equals 17.5 lb
				bushels.
B. Bushel: one bushel
				equals 70 lbs of menhaden.
C.
				Barrel: one barrel equals 55 liquid gallons; or, 5 bushel of
				menhaden.
D. Truck: one truck
				equals 40,000 lbs of menhaden.
E.
				Fish tote: a standard fish tote (tray), measuring 28 inches long x 16 inches
				wide x 11 inches deep, when level full, equals 1/3 barrel.
F. Crate: a crate equals two and one half
				bushels or 175 pounds of menhaden.
G. Fish Tank or Box: a standard Saeplast or
				Bonar brand fish tank with internal measurements of 38 inches long x 38 inches
				wide x 44 inches deep and when filled to allow for a sealed cover, equals 20
				bushels.
H. Landing: to come to
				shore, float or a dock and offload menhaden.
I. Harvester vessel: the vessel that deploys
				the net to fish for, take and possess menhaden. A harvester vessel is in
				possession of fish once the net encircles and traps the fish.
J. Set: To place from a harvester vessel a
				purse seine or a bait gillnet in the coastal waters of the state for the
				purpose of taking menhaden.
K.
				Pound net or trap net: a type of entrapment gear that consists of an
				arrangement of netting or wire supported upon stakes or piles and has the head
				ropes or lines above the water or in a frame that is supported by floats and
				anchors. A pound net or trap net may consist of an enclosure known as the pound
				proper, crib or pocket which has a netting floor and section known as a heart
				from the entrance of which a straight wall known as the leader or runner
				extends outward. There may be several combinations of hearts, pounds or
				pockets. Finfish are voluntarily directed by the leader towards and into the
				heart and/or pound, and then into the crib or pocket where they are removed
				periodically by various devices and methods, such as dip nets.
L. Fish weir: any fixed type of fishing
				equipment that consists of fences made of wooden stakes or out of other
				materials constructed in such a manner so as to intercept or attempt to
				intercept finfish. The fences form successive enclosures called the heart,
				pound and pocket into which the finfish are directed by a prolonged fence known
				as a leader.
M. Dory: a boat with
				no mechanical means of propulsion that is towed to and from the fishing grounds
				by the harvester vessel.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 41 - MENHADEN › Section 188-41-40 - Noncommercial Menhaden Fishing

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The following limitations apply to individuals holding a
				  noncommercial menhaden license issued under
				  12 MRS
				  §6502-C.
A.
Season
The holder of a noncommercial menhaden license may fish for,
				  take or possess menhaden from May 1 to November 30.
B.
Effort Restrictions
(1) It is unlawful to fish for, take, possess
				or land more than 1,050 pounds or 3 barrels per harvester and per vessel, per
				day.
(2) It is unlawful to make
				more than one landing per calendar day.
(3) It is unlawful to transfer menhaden they
				have taken to any other vessel.
(4)
				It is unlawful to receive menhaden from a harvester vessel while at
				sea.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 41 - MENHADEN › Section 188-41-50 - Recreational Fishing

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
An individual may fish or take, by either speargun, harpoon,
				  minnow trap, hand dip net or hook and line, up to 25 menhaden per day for
				  personal use only without a license.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 42 - STRIPED BASS › Section 188-42-01 - Statewide Striped Bass Size Restrictions, Harvest Methods

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
Method of Taking
A. It is unlawful to fish for or take striped
				bass in territorial waters, except by hook and line. It is unlawful to use a
				gaff to land any striped bass.
B.
				It is unlawful to use multiple (more than two) barbed or barbless treble hooks
				on any artificial lure or flies while fishing for striped bass in territorial
				waters.
C. It is unlawful to use
				any hook other than a circle hook when using bait. For purposes of this chapter
				the definition of circle hook means "a non-offset hook with a point that points
				90º back toward the shaft of the hook". Striped bass incidentally caught
				on any unapproved hook type must be returned to the water immediately without
				unnecessary injury.
For the purposes of this section, bait is defined as any
				  marine or freshwater organism live or dead, whole or parts thereof, and
				  earthworms, including but not limited to, night crawlers (
Lumbricus
				  terrestris
).
Exception
: Rubber or latex tube rigs will be
				  exempt from the circle hook restriction as long as they conform with the
				  following: the lure must consist of a minimum of 8" of latex or rubber tubing
				  with a single hook protruding from the end portion of the tubing where bait may
				  be attached. Willow leaf spinner rigs will also be exempt from the circle hook
				  restriction as long as they are fished with no more than two barbless hooks. A
				  willow leaf spinner rig is comprised of leaf-shaped attractor blades which are
				  longer than they are wide. Use of treble hooks is not allowed with any of these
				  exempted rigs.
D. Any
				striped bass legally taken from the territorial waters shall be immediately
				released alive into the water from which it was taken, or killed at once. Any
				striped bass killed becomes part of the daily bag limit in accordance with
				Chapter 42.02.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 42 - STRIPED BASS › Section 188-42-02 - Striped Bass - Limits, Personal Use

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
It is unlawful for any person to fish for, take or possess
				  striped bass in or from territorial waters, except for personal use. The sale
				  of wild striped bass caught for personal use or by commercial fisheries in
				  other States or jurisdictions is prohibited in the State of Maine.
It is unlawful for any person to take or possess more than
				  one (1) striped bass each day.
Exception for Hybrid Striped Bass:
This section shall not apply to the possession and sale of
				  hybrid striped bass under the following conditions:
1.
Hybrids
(
Morone
				saxatillis x Morone chrysops
). Whole aquaculture-raised striped bass
				shall have a tag or label affixed to each fish container holding
				fish.
2.
Fillets
.
				Fillets from aquaculture-raised hybrid striped bass shall have the skin
				attached.
3.
Tags and
				Labels
. All tags and labels affixed to containers of whole
				aquaculture-raised hybrid striped bass and fillets from aquaculture-raised
				hybrid striped bass shall be clearly marked "Hybrid Striped Bass" and provide
				the following information:
A. State of
				origin
B. Name and address of
				shipping and receiving dealers
C.
				Permit number of shipping and receiving dealers
D. Date shipped
E. Net weight of container
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 42 - STRIPED BASS › Section 188-42-03 - Striped Bass - Closed Area and Closed Season

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. Except as provided in 42.03(B), from the
				1st day of December to June 30, inclusive, it is unlawful for any person to
				take and retain any striped bass from the tidal waters of the Kennebec River
				inside and upstream of a line drawn from the outer extremity of Cape Small to
				the outer extremity of Salter Island, thence to the outer extremity of Cape
				Newagen and including Merrymeeting Bay and tributaries, the tidal waters of the
				Sheepscot River, Androscoggin River, Sasanoa River, and all other tidal
				tributaries of the Kennebec River. From July 1 through November 30, statewide
				regulations apply to this area.
B.
Special Hook and Release Season/Area
. From May 1 to June 30, it
				shall be lawful to fish for striped bass in the waters described in 42.03(A)
				with a hook and line and single hooked artificial lures. Any striped bass
				caught during this special season/area fishery shall be immediately released
				and returned alive, without further injury, to the waters from which they were
				taken.
C.
Waters Seasonally
				Closed to the Use of Bait
. From May 1 to June 30, inclusive, it is
				unlawful to possess or use bait while hook and line fishing for any finfish
				species in waters described in 42.03(A). During this closed season (May 1 to
				June 30), possession of hook and line fishing gear and bait on waters described
				in 42.03(A) is prima facie evidence of violating this regulation. For purposes
				of this section, "bait" is defined as any live or dead marine organism, or part
				thereof.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 43 - BLUEFISH RULES › Section 188-43-01 - Bluefish Limits

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
Method of
				Taking
A.
Daily and Possession
				Limits
Except as provided in 43.01(A)(1) it shall be unlawful for
				  any person to take, catch, kill, or possess more than 3 bluefish per
				  day.
(1)
Exemptions
The daily limit and possession limit shall not apply to
				  persons licensed under
				  12 M.R.S.
				  §6501 and §
												6421.
				  The possession limit shall not apply to persons licensed under
				  12
				  M.R.S. §6851 and §
												6852.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 44 - AMERICAN SHAD › Section 188-44-05 - American Shad Limits

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
Daily and
				Possession Limits
Except as provided in Chapter 44.05(2) it shall be unlawful
				  for any person to take or possess more than two (2) American shad per day taken
				  from the coastal waters of Maine.
2. The daily limit and possession limit shall
				not apply to persons licensed under 12 M.R.S.A. § 6851 and § 6852.
3. It is unlawful to fish for or
				take American shad from the coastal waters of the State by any method other
				than hook and line.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 45 - SHRIMP › Section 188-45-01 - Definitions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Cod end
. "Cod end" means the
				terminal portion of an otter trawl, pair trawl, beam trawl, scottish seine or
				mid-water trawl in which the catch is normally retained.
B.
Primary dealer
. "Primary
				dealer" means any person who purchases shrimp in excess of 120 pounds per day
				as a first purchase from a vessel engaged in the taking of shrimp.
C.
Process
. "Process" means to
				clean, shell, freeze, package or otherwise alter the form or condition of
				shrimp.
D.
Shrimp
.
				"Shrimp", "any shrimp" of "Northern Shrimp" means all Pandalid species
				including, but not limited to,
Pandalus borealis
.
E.
Extension
. That portion of
				the net which connects the cod end to the body of the net.
F.
Landing
. To come to shore,
				float or a dock and offload shrimp; or to transfer shrimp at sea to another
				vessel.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 45 - SHRIMP › Section 188-45-05 - Shrimp season

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1.
Shrimp
				Season
A.
Harvest and
				transport
(1)
Season
There is no season for shrimp.
It is unlawful to fish for, or take by any method, or to
				  land, ship, transport, sell or possess any shrimp harvested from Maine's
				  coastal waters.
(2)
Exception
Any shrimp may be possessed, transported or sold during the
				  closed periods or seasons by dealers provided the shrimp were legally obtained
				  and the dealer is properly permitted or licensed to engage in that
				  activity.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 45 - SHRIMP › Section 188-45-15 - Shrimp traps

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Marking. It is
				unlawful to set, raise, life or transfer any shrimp trap or buoy unless it is
				clearly marked with the owher's shrimp fishing license number or lobster and
				crab fishing license number.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 49 - SHELLFISH BAIT PERMIT REGULATIONS › Section 188-49-01 - Permit

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. A permit is required to engage in the
				shellfish bait fishery. A permit may be obtained by applying in writing to the
				Commissioner. The application must contain the following information:
A. Name and address of applicant
B. Names of crew
C. Vessel name and description
D. Type of harvesting gear proposed
E. Proposed areas of harvest
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 49 - SHELLFISH BAIT PERMIT REGULATIONS › Section 188-49-02 - Permit Restrictions

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
1. Crew members
				must possess valid commercial shellfish license's issued under
				
				12 M.R.S.A. §6601.
2. Catch must be landed and distributed
				according to permit restrictions.
3. Catch may not be sold to certified
				shellfish dealers.
4. It shall be
				illegal for certified shellfish dealers to possess shellfish that is for bait
				only.
Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 49 - SHELLFISH BAIT PERMIT REGULATIONS › Section 188-49-03 - Reporting

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
(repealed effective December 17, 2003, filing
				  2003-467 - see instead Ch. 8)