CHAPTER 281
H.P. 531 - L.D. 722
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §§6726 and 6727 are enacted to read:
1. Minimum size. It is unlawful to utilize a drag to fish for or take scallops in the coastal waters with rings that measure less than:
A. From November 1, 1997 to April 15, 1999, 3 inches in diameter;
B. From November 1, 1999 to April 15, 2001, 3 1/4 inches in diameter; and
C. On November 1, 2001 and thereafter, 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
2. Measurement of rings. Ring size is determined by measuring the shortest straight line passing through the center of the ring from one inside edge to the opposite inside edge of the ring. The measurement may not include links or normal welds from ring manufacturing. The rings measured must be at least 5 rings away from the mouth and at least 2 rings away from other rigid portions of the drag.
3. Configuration of drag. The commissioner shall adopt rules that limit the mesh size of net material on the top of a scallop drag, prohibit chafing gear or cookies on the top of a scallop drag, establish ring link restrictions for a scallop drag and prohibit drag or net obstructions. Rules initially adopted pursuant to this subsection must be identical to federal regulations in the Atlantic sea scallop fishery in effect on March 25, 1997 that limit the mesh size of net material on the top of a scallop drag, prohibit chafing gear or cookies on the top of a scallop drag, establish ring link restrictions for a scallop drag and prohibit drag or net obstructions. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A.
1. Opening month of season. It is unlawful from November 1st to November 30th for a person to possess on any vessel fishing for scallops in the coastal waters, or to utilize when fishing for or taking scallops in the coastal waters, a drag or any combination of drags that measures in excess of 5 feet, 6 inches across from one extreme outside edge of the mouth of the drag or combination of drags to the opposite extreme outside edge.
2. Remainder of season. It is unlawful from December 1st to April 15th for a person to possess on any vessel fishing for scallops in the coastal waters, or to utilize when fishing for or taking scallops in the coastal waters, a drag or any combination of drags that measures in excess of 10 feet, 6 inches across from one extreme outside edge of the mouth of the drag or combination of drags to the opposite extreme outside edge.
Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §6954-B, as amended by PL 1995, c. 518, §1, is repealed.
Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §6954-C is enacted to read:
§6954-C. Drag limits north of international bridge, Lubec
1. Gear requirements. It is unlawful to fish in the coastal waters northerly and inshore of the international bridge that connects Lubec to Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada with any drag or combination of drags:
A. That measures in excess of 5 feet, 6 inches in width measuring from one extreme outside edge of the mouth of the drag or combination of drags to the opposite extreme outside edge; and
B. If used for the taking of scallops, that is greater than 8 rings deep.
Effective September 19, 1997, unless otherwise indicated.
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