Chapter 11 Atlantic Sea Scallop Regulations and
2016-2017 Harvesting Season

BRIEF SUMMARY: This proposed rulemaking establishes the 2016-2017 scallop fishing season. As in the 2015-2016 season, there would be a daily possession limit of 15 gallons for Zone 1 and Zone 2, and a daily possession limit of 10 gallons for Zone 3.

For Zone 1, a 60-day season is set for draggers to start on December 5, 2016 and the proposed last day of the season is April 11, 2017. For Zone 1, a 60-day season is set for divers to start on December 1, 2016 and the proposed last day of the season is April 15, 2017.

For Zone 2, a 70-day season is set for draggers to start on December 5, 2016 and the proposed last day of the season is March 28, 2017. For Zone 2, a 70-day season is set for divers to start on December 1, 2016 and the proposed last day of the season is April 15, 2017. For Zone 3, a 50-day season is set for draggers to start on December 5, 2016, and the proposed last day of the season is March 29, 2017. For Zone 3, a 50-day season is set for divers to start on December 1, 2016 and the proposed last day of the season is March 24, 2017. In addition, DMR is proposing to either maintain or implement the following targeted closures based on depletion, high concentrations of seed/sublegal scallops and/or the presence of spat-producing scallops which include Muscle Ridge (limited), Lower Muscle Ridge, Eastern Casco Bay, Ocean Point, Sheepscot River, Muscongus Bay, New Meadows River, Card Cove and East Moosabec Reach. Finally, DMR is proposing to implement a Limited Access Area in the MDI region of Zone 2.

COMMENT DEADLINE: 10/12/2016

CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING: Hannah Dean, Department of Marine Resources, 21 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0021 hannah.dean@maine.gov (207) 624-6573 FAX: (207) 624-6024 TTY: (207) 633-9500 (Deaf/Hard of Hearing).