Notice to Lobster License Holders

DMR to Proposed Amended Gear Marking Regulation

Dear Lobster License Holder,

Based on additional comments received at the last round of Zone Council meetings, the Department is proposing to further amend the gear marking requirements adopted last November to create a new exception for fishermen fishing in shallow waters. Specifically, we are proposing that vertical lines less than 100 ft in length will need only two purple marks (a 36-inch mark in the top two fathom, and a 12 inch mark at the bottom of the line).

This proposed regulation was published February 19, with a 30-day comment period ending on March 20. We will send another notice next week, when the Notice of Agency Rule-Making is published, with the proposed language. If the new exception is approved, we anticipate it will be in effect in early April.

We understand questions remain about gear marking. Please contact your local Marine Patrol Officer or a Marine Patrol division office for assistance.

Thank you.
Patrick Keliher
Commissioner