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AGENCY UMBRELLA-UNIT NUMBER: 13-188
AGENCY NAME: Department of Marine Resources

CONTACT PERSON: Laurice Churchill, Regulations Officer, 21 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0021. Tel: (207) 633-9584

EMERGENCY RULES ADOPTED SINCE THE LAST REGULATORY AGENDA:

CHAPTER 24.21: Salmonid Fish Health Inspection Regulations
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171, 6171(3), 6192(4)
PURPOSE: To require surveillance monitoring of the disease ISAV by aquaculturists and restrict vessel and equipment movement to reduce the spread of this disease. Adopt bay area management practices to also reduce risks and spread of disease.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF ADOPTED RULE: 24.21(J) August 21, 2002 Emergency
AFFECTED PARTIES: Finfish aquaculture industry

CHAPTER 45: Shrimp
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6171(3)
PURPOSE: To set the annual shrimp season for the harvest year 2002-2003
EFFECTIVE DATE OF ADOPTED RULE: 45.05(1)(A)(2) Nov. 27, 2002 Emergency
AFFECTED PARTIES: The commercial shrimp fleet and the wholesale and retail seafood industry.

CHAPTER 31: Horseshoe Crab
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6171, §6192
PURPOSE: To protect horseshoe crabs from imminent depletion due to a low stock size and increased interest in harvesting this resource.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF ADOPTED RULE: 31.05 June 27, 2003 Emergency
AFFECTED PARTIES: Harvesters.

EXPECTED 2003-2004 RULE-MAKING ACTIVITY:

CHAPTER 2: Aquaculture
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6072, 6072-A, 6072-C, 6171(3), 6192(4), major substantive: 6072(7-A), 6078-A(6), and 6072
PURPOSE: Codification of the code of containment to provide compliance with salmon conservation plan and industry initiatives. Corrections based on rule review for errors and inconsistencies; application and notification requirements; department review procedures; bay management and husbandry practices; general revisions to update regulations to address changes in industry practices and new statutes.
Specific statutory compliances that require rulemaking: update decision standards on significant wildlife habitat and marine habitat; quantify permissible impact for noise and light; establish visual impact criteria (color, height, shape and mass) (major substantive); alternative production fee schedule based on the amount of feed that is used at finfish facilities (major substantive); implement a fee structure for lease rents and application fees that are in addition to the minimum lease rents and application fees (major substantive); develop a fee schedule for the production of shellfish reared on an aquaculture lease (major substantive); update with statutory changes the rules on the annual lease review and revocation; and update limited purpose aquaculture lease notification step for riparian notices.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Aquaculture industry
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 5: Confidentiality of Fisheries Statistics
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6071, 6173
PURPOSE: Update and for consistency with the federal Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program (ACCSP). Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Commercial and recreational fishermen
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 8 (New): Landings Program
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171, 6173(1)&(2)
PURPOSE: A new chapter is contemplated to consolidate all regulations on landings type reporting requirements into one chapter in conjunction with the implementation of the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program (ACCSP).
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Harvesters and dealers
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 9 (New): Harvester: Shellstock Harvesting, Handling and Sanitation
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6856
PURPOSE: Outlines the requirements for all shellfish harvesters and protects the health and safety of the consumer by preventing the sale and distribution of shellfish that are unsafe for human consumption. Establish consistency with the Food and Drug Administration, National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP). Relocate applicable portions of Chapter 48 on Identification and Tagging of Shellfish into Chapter 9.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Shellfish dealers, harvesters, consumers, wholesale shellfish processors, aquaculturists
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 10: Clams and Quahogs
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6171
PURPOSE: Amendments to quahog permitting and reporting requirements to be consistent with the federal management plan under Amendment 10. Update with National Shellfish Sanitation Program and rule review for inconsistencies and errors.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Quahog harvesters
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 11: Scallops
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171, 6856, 6171-A, 6728, 6729
PURPOSE: Establish state wide scallop conservation regulations and or management rules pertaining to conservation of the scallop resource. Update with National Shellfish Sanitation Program and rule review for inconsistencies and errors. Amend to prevent gear conflicts between lobster and scallop fishermen. Compliance with statutory increases in shell size to 3 ¾ inches and 4 inches in 2003 and 2004 respectively.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to December 1, 2003 and December 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Scallop fishers; commercial lobster fishers
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 12: Mussels
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6171
PURPOSE: Amendments to size and harvest restrictions; develop limited entry system and update with National Shellfish Sanitation Program and rule review for errors and inconsistencies. Consideration and possible development of size and harvest restrictions and a limited-entry system.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Aquaculturists, mussel fishermen
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 13: Whelks
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6171
PURPOSE: Update trap design and marking requirements. Update with National Shellfish Sanitation Program and rule review for inconsistencies and errors.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Whelk fishermen
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 14: Oysters
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6171
PURPOSE: Update with National Shellfish Sanitation Program and rule review for inconsistencies and errors.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Aquaculturists, commercial fishermen
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 15: General shellfish sanitation and depuration provisions
CHAPTER 16: Uniform physical plant equipment and operation requirement
CHAPTER 17: Shucker-packers
CHAPTER 18: Shellfish reshippers
CHAPTER 19: Shellstock shipper
CHAPTER 20: Controlled depuration
CHAPTER 21: Relaying
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6856
PURPOSE: Outlines the requirements for all shellfish operations and protects the health and safety of the consumer by preventing the sale and distribution of shellfish that are unsafe for human consumption. Establish consistency with the Food and Drug Administration, National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP). Relocate Chapter 48 on Identification and Tagging of Shellfish into Chapter 15 General Shellfish Sanitation and Depuration. Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Shellfish dealers, harvesters, consumers, wholesale shellfish processors
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 22: Shellfish Culture in Closed Areas
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6856 and 5 M.R.S.A. §9051
PURPOSE: Establish the conduct of shellfish culture in closed areas and the transfer of shellfish from closed areas to open areas for the purpose of relaying and transfer. Update with National Shellfish Sanitation Program and rule review for inconsistencies and errors. Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Shellfish dealers, aquaculturists
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 23: Standards for closure of contaminated or polluted flats
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6856 and 5 M.R.S.A. §9051
PURPOSE: Establish consistency with the Food and Drug Administration, National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP) and rule review for inconsistencies and errors. Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Shellfish harvesters, dealers, aquaculturists
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 24: Importation of Live Marine Organisms
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6071, 6171(3)
PURPOSE: Chapter 24 will be amended to prevent the introduction of infectious or contagious type organisms that pose a danger to indigenous marine life or its environment; and update the fish health guidelines and shellfish health guidelines for wild and aquaculture industry. Shellfish regulation updates or establishment of testing, movement restrictions and hatchery inspection requirements. Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes. Develop rules that allow use of processed salmon racks in bait products.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Any person seeking an importation permit, aquaculturists
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 25: Lobster and Crab
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171, 6171 (2-A)
PURPOSE: Set the annual Monhegan Island Lobster Conservation Area (MILCA) season. Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to December 1, 2003
AFFECTED PARTIES: Lobster harvesters registered in the MILCA.
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: contemplated

CHAPTER 25: Lobster and Crab
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6421, 6446, 6446(2-A), 6447, 6448, 6171
PURPOSE: To adopt lobster trap limits, number of traps per trawl, the periods allowed for complying with the trap limit and the time of day when fishing may occur as established by lobster management zones referendum on policy proposals; license entry eligibility requirements per zone; resolve boundary line disputes. Update the noncommercial license application and regulations to reflect information regarding zones and vessel is now mandatory; add limit of ten tags per vessel, regardless of the number of license holders fishing from that vessel. Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Present and future lobster harvesters
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 25: Lobster and Crab
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171, 6171-A
PURPOSE: To comply with the ASMFC Amendments to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Lobster. Implementation of emergency rules, repeal of rules replaced by laws and corrections based on rules review for errors and inconsistencies would be promulgated. Amend for dealer reporting requirements. To provide compliance with federal rules on whales under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Present and future lobster harvesters; lobster dealers
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 26: Sea Urchin Harvesting Season
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6749, 6749-W, 6749-V, 6749-A
PURPOSE: Provide protection from depletion. Amend the season to reallocate the days available for fishing or to reflect spawning conditions, set daily catch limits, adjust size limits or tolerance(s), minimum and maximum size, culling on the bottom for Zone 2 divers, and Zone 1 20% diver tolerance reduction, closures for some regions, change dealer logbook reporting to weekly, electronic. Designate the open days for the sea urchin fishery in Zones 1 and 2. Suspend or adjust the license lottery.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Sea urchin harvesters, buyers, processors
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 26: Sea Urchin Conservation Areas
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171, 6749-N
PURPOSE: Repeal conservation areas for research on the urchin resource.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Sea urchin harvesters, buyers, processors
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 28: Marine Worms
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A §§6171
PURPOSE: Establish measures for conservation of the resource.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Marine worm harvesters, bait dealers, recreational fishers
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 30: Alewives
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6171
PURPOSE: To conserve and manage river herring stocks in Maine coastal waters; proposed rules would consider closed areas, closed seasons, gear restriction and/or creel limits. The rules adopted as necessary to meet state goals and requirements of the ASMFC Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for Shad and River Herring. Repeal of rules replaced by laws promulgated prior to 1979 and corrections based on rules review for errors and inconsistencies.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Commercial and recreational river herring fishermen
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 31: Horseshoe Crab
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6171
PURPOSE: To provide compliance with interstate fisheries management plans for conservation of the horseshoe crab.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Harvesters.
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 34: Groundfish
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171, 6171(3), 6171-A,
PURPOSE: To conserve and protect the decreased Groundfish stocks by adjusting the minimum size to conform to the more restrictive federal Fisheries Management Plan restrictions. Conversely, to adjust Maine regulations for liberalization of rules pertaining to recovering groundfish stocks. Compliance with ASMFC measures for Groundfish. Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Commercial and recreational Groundfish fishermen
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 36: Herring
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A §§6171, 6171(2-A), 6171-A
PURPOSE: Amend regulations as necessary to conform to the joint New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC) and ASFMC herring plans, implementation of emergency rules, repeal of rules replaced by laws and corrections based on rules review for errors and inconsistencies. Changes include days out of the fishery, fixed gear rules, spawning closures, 2000-pound trip limit and addendums passed by ASMFC and NEFMC.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Herring harvesters and processors; bait dealers, lobstermen
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

Amendment received February 6, 2004:
CHAPTER 37: Freshwater Fish
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A §§6171, 6171-A
PURPOSE: Amend regulations to adjust the size limit on landlocked salmon in coastal waters to provide protection for sea run salmon and establish consistency with Department of Inland Fish & Wildlife rules.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Recreational fishers
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 40: Smelts
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171, 6171-A
PURPOSE: Repromulgate or repeal rules enacted prior to 1979. If repromulgated, update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Commercial and recreational smelt fishermen
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 41: Atlantic Menhaden
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171, 6171-A
PURPOSE: Amend regulations to comply with the ASMFC interstate fisheries management plan.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Commercial and recreational fishermen
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 42: Striped Bass
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171 and 6556-A
PURPOSE: To conserve and manage striped bass throughout their Atlantic coast range and restore spawning populations to Maine rivers; adjustment of creel limits, minimum size, closed areas/seasons, and/or gear restrictions will be adopted as necessary to conform to the ASMFC Interstate Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Recreational striped bass fishermen
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 45: Shrimp
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171, 6171(3), 6171-A
PURPOSE: Chapter 45 will be amended to allow for the changes made to the Maine Shrimp Management by the ASMFC. Set the annual shrimp season. Consider requirements for a double Nordmore grate during certain periods of the shrimp season, use of a double Nordmore grate with a longer season, and prohibiting shakers on shrimp boats.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to December 1, 2003 and October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: The commercial shrimp fleet and the wholesale and retail seafood industry
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 46: Maine Salmonid Production Quality Assurance Program
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6021-A
PURPOSE: Repeal the Maine Salmonid Production Quality Assurance Program.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Salmon processors
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 47: Maine Mussel Select Grade Standard Program
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6021-A
PURPOSE: Repeal the Maine mussel select grade standard program and establish voluntary grade standards and requirements for the production of a select grade of Maine mussel shellstock.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Mussel dealers, consumers
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 48: Identification and Tagging of Shellfish
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6171
PURPOSE: Repeal and replace/relocate rules to similar shellfish tagging sections in Chapters 15 - 22.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Shellfish dealers, harvesters, consumers
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 50: Spiny Dogfish and Coastal Sharks
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6171
PURPOSE: To provide compliance with interstate fisheries management plans or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Fishery Management Plan for Dogfish in territorial seas through limits on commercial and recreational fisheries. Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Commercial and recreational dogfish harvesters
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 55: Gear Restrictions
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171, 6171(3), 6171(5), 6171-A, 6192
PURPOSE: Amend Chapter 55 to prevent conflict between different fisheries. Implementation of emergency rules, repeal of rules replaced by laws, promulgated prior to 1979 and corrections based on rules review for errors and inconsistencies will be promulgated as necessary. To provide compliance with federal rules on whales under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Fishermen
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 95: Closed Polluted Areas
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6172
PURPOSE: Chapter 95 will be amended to establish closures and openings of waters that contain consumable marine organisms, which is or may become contaminated or polluted. Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: All recreational and commercial fisheries
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

CHAPTER 96: Closed Areas - Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6172
PURPOSE: Chapter 96 will be amended to establish closures and openings of waters that contain a consumable marine organism, which is or may become contaminated. Update rules that violations of regulations are now civil not Class D crimes.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: All recreational and commercial fisheries
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

NEW CHAPTER: Protected Resources
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6171, 6172(1-A)
PURPOSE: To provide compliance and enforceability with federal rules on whales under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to January 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: All gear oriented recreational and commercial fisheries
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

NEW CHAPTER: Marine Harvest Demonstration License
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §§6171, 6810-A
PURPOSE: A new chapter may be contemplated to establish rules for the type, amount and tagging of gear; gear conformance to whale take reduction protocols; and the type and specifications for vessel identification that may be used under a new marine harvesting demonstration license. Develop rules to address the potential for abuse.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to January 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Fishing, education and tourism user groups of marine waters
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

NEW CHAPTER: Monkfish
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 12 M.R.S.A. §6171
PURPOSE: To provide compliance with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Fishery Management Plan for Monkfish in territorial seas through limits on commercial and or recreational fisheries.
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Prior to October 1, 2004
AFFECTED PARTIES: Commercial and recreational fishers
CONSENSUS-BASED RULE DEVELOPMENT: not contemplated

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