The Department of Marine Resources is announcing the annual lotteries for scallop drag and scallop diver (handfishing) licenses. Based on licenses retired in 2021, the Department is making available 6 drag licenses and 5 diver licenses for 2022.
The Department will begin accepting applications today October 3, 2022 at noon, and the lotteries will remain open until Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 4:30 pm.
An individual is eligible to enter either the scallop drag license lottery, or the scallop handfishing or handfishing with tender license lottery, but not both, if they meet the following criteria:
- Is a Maine resident and 18 years of age or older at time of drawing.
- Held in any previous calendar year or currently holds any commercial license issued by the Department of Marine Resources (under 12 M.R.S Part 9), or has in the past or currently is crewing onboard an active commercial scallop vessel
- Has not been convicted or adjudicated of a marine resources offense that resulted in a license suspension within the last 7 years
- Does not currently possess a Scallop Diver or Scallop Drag license issued by Maine
If, based on the above criteria, you are ineligible to apply, please forward this notice to someone you think might be eligible.
There is a $37 fee to enter each lottery. $35 of each entry is deposited in the Scallop Research Fund and $2 goes to InforME which designed and supports the online lottery entry system.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine their eligibility to participate in the scallop license lotteries. If an applicant is drawn, but determined to be ineligible, that drawing shall be void and the Department will draw another individual. The application fee submitted with an ineligible application is non-refundable.
Beginning at noon today, October 3, 2022, online applications will be available at www.maine.gov/scalloplottery. Online payment must be made with a credit card.
Also, starting at noon today, October 3, 2022, applicants may complete a paper application located in the entryway at the DMR offices in the Marquardt Building, 32 Blossom Lane, Augusta. However, please be advised that payment submitted with a paper application must be made by check or money order.
Because the DMR lobby remains closed, no payments may be made with cash. Finally, the Department cannot accept paper applications through the mail.
A Frequently Asked Questions document is available online as well.
If you have remaining questions, please call Maine DMR at 624-6550, Option 2 and we will try to assist you.