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2009 Atlantic Salmon Recreational Fishery Cancelled

April 30, 2009

TO: ATLANTIC SALMON LICENSE HOLDERS

FROM: PATRICK KELIHER, DIRECTOR OF SEARUN FISHERIES

RE: MAY SEASON CANCELLED

The Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission (ASC) has reversed its earlier decision to move forward with the May recreational salmon fishery on the Penobscot River. After further review of the Atlantic salmon listing under the Federal Endangered Species Act it was determined that the fishery should be closed. The ASC board has directed staff to fly the red flags for the entire month of May thus ending all angling opportunities for Atlantic salmon in 2009 and beyond.

This decision to close the season was not based on biological concerns that the fishery would create threats to the species. The Endangered Species Act expansion for Atlantic salmon within the Penobscot, Kennebec and Androscoggin watersheds could pose additional economic hardships to the people who live and work in these watersheds. The industries and towns they support can ill afford additional economic impacts at this time. There is growing concerns that the permitting of activities within these watersheds will have broad impacts and the state must focus on these areas at this time.

We are very sorry for the inconvenience that this has caused. We will be mailing out refund checks as soon as possible. If your mailing address is now different that when you purchased the license please notify us as soon as possible.