Present: John Seiders, Larry Knapp, Tyler Hodgdon, Mark Cheney, Guy Randlett, John Tarbox, Jimbo Lang, Robert Royall, Doug Carter, Ira Pinkham, Lt. Jon Cornish and Sarah Cotnoir.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Larry Knapp

John Higgins talked about NMFS gear modifications.

Take Reduction – Rope less fishing, more data needed from Maine.

Chapter 75 – rope markings. Lt. Jon Cornish talked about violations due to no sinking ground lines – also talked about replacement tag process.

Election of Officers – Everything to remain the same as the 2008 year.

The minutes from the August 25, 2008 and November 5, 2008 meetings were approved.

Lobster Advisory Council Up date – Larry Knapp talked about a tiered license system that is being discussed.

There was discussion on: Task Force – Lobster price – Lobster price – Lobster Science – Certifying Maine Lobster – Funding for DMR Sampling Program.

Student Waiting list – Motion to support a student waiting list – 7 in favor, 3 opposed.

Sign Bylaws – All in favor – unanimous

DMR Updates – Time of Day to haul Sunday law year round failed. Herring meeting and double tagging discussed.

DMR Legislation – Island bills – Rep. Bruce MacDonald talked about which laws that had been shot down and which ones had passed. Five members in support of the island bill and the rest abstained.

Meeting adjourned 9:25 pm