Notice to all Commercial Menhaden Harvesters:
Good afternoon,
Menhaden landings have slowed over the last few weeks, but harvest is still occurring. Maine is continuing to operate under its current harvest schedule of Mondays and Thursdays at 7,000 lbs daily until further notice. The quota transfers Maine secured in September continue to cover current harvest rates. DMR will communicate if there are any changes in the harvest schedule.
2025 COMMERCIAL HARVEST: EXTENDED DIRECTED HARVEST CONTROLS
- Harvest days are Mondays and Thursdays
- Daily vessel limit is 7,000 lbs or 20 barrels per harvester vessel
- Storage of menhaden required immediately upon harvest
- Either fish tanks, barrels, crates or totes
- Harvester vessels are prohibited from transferring while at sea
- Vessels are prohibited from receiving any menhaden while at sea from another vessel
- Trip level reports are due same day as landing before 11:59 pm through VESL or LEEDS
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For questions regarding menhaden management, please contact Melissa Smith (melissa.smith@maine.gov, 207.441.5040) or Megan Ware (megan.ware@maine.gov, 207.446.0932).