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Maine Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery - New Regulations Effective November 24, 2008

Minimum Ring Size - Chapter 11.07

A person may not use a drag to fish for or take scallops in the territorial waters with rings that measure less than 4 inches.

Harvesting Season - Chapter 11.09

The Atlantic Sea Scallop Harvesting Season in Maine’s Territorial waters is open December 1, 2008 through January 4, 2009 and February 25, 2009 through March 31 2009, all dates inclusive; this season sunsets May 1, 2009.

Daily Limits - Chapter 11.10

It is unlawful to fish for, take or possess more than 200 pounds of scallop meats per day per vessel in Maine’s territorial waters. It is unlawful to unload any portion of a day’s catch and return to fishing in Maine’s territorial waters.

A vessel may possess or land more than 200 pounds of scallop meats per day within Maine’s territorial waters only if it meets each of the following requirements:

(1) The scallop meats were harvested seaward of Maine’s territorial waters.
(2) The vessel holds a valid current Federal Permit (Title 50(A) §648.4) that authorizes possession of more than 200 pounds of scallop meats per day.
(3) The amount of scallop meats on board does not exceed the maximum amount authorized by the vessel’s Federal Permit.
(4) The vessel has all fishing gear (dredges, drags) securely stowed when transiting Maine’s territorial waters. Securely stowed shall mean the main wire shall not be shackled or connected to the dredges or drags, and the towing swivel will be at block or on the winch.

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