Scallop Season Rules
Proposals & Meetings

Department of Marine Resources Chapter 11 Scallops;
2017-18 Season

This proposed rulemaking establishes the 2017- 2018 scallop fishing season. As in the 2016-2017 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 4, 2017 and the proposed last day of the season is April 10, 2018. For Zone 1, a 60-day season is set for divers to start on December 1, 2017 and the proposed last day of the season is April 15, 2018.

For Zone 2, a 70-day season is set for draggers to start on December 4, 2017 and the proposed last day of the season is April 11, 2018. For Zone 2, a 70-day season is set for divers to start on December 1, 2017 and the proposed last day of the season is April 15, 2018. For Zone 3, a 55-day season is proposed for draggers to begin on December 4, 2017 and the proposed last day of the season is April 11, 2018.

For Zone 3, a 55-day season is proposed for divers to begin on December 1, 2017 and the proposed last day of the season is April 14, 2018.

In Zone 1, Casco Bay, Sheepscot River and Muscongus Bay/W. Penobscot Bay Areas, as well as Whiting/Dennys Bays in Zone 3are proposed as Limited Access Areas with reduced harvesting days. In Zone 2, territorial waters surrounding Machias Seal Island and North Rock will be open to harvest daily for the month of December 2017, only.

DMR is proposing to maintain the following targeted closures based on depletion, high concentrations of seed/sublegal scallops and/or the presence of spat-producing scallops: Muscle Ridge, Lower Muscle Ridge, Eastern Casco Bay, Upper Sheepscot River, Ocean Point, Damariscotta River, New Meadows River, Card Cove and Beals-Jonesport Bridge.

Additionally, the daily possession and harvest limits for individuals issued a license under either 12 M.R.S §6701 or §6702 has been updated to reflect personal limits for divers are no longer limited by vessel.