Code of Maine Rules
13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL
Chapter 11 - SCALLOPS
Section 188-11-07 - Atlantic Sea Scallop Limitations

Universal Citation: 13 ME Code Rules ยง 188-11-07

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

1. Atlantic Sea Scallops, Minimum Size

In Maine Territorial Waters, it shall be unlawful to possess Atlantic sea scallops whose shells are less than 4 inches in the longest diameter, effective on December 1, 2004 and thereafter in accordance with 12 M.R.S. §6721(1)(A) & (B).

2. Atlantic Sea Scallops, Night Harvesting Prohibition

Effective November 1, 1986, it shall be unlawful to fish for or take scallops during the nighttime hours between sunset (as defined in 12 M.R.S. §6001(46)) until 1/2 hour before sunrise (as defined in 12 M.R.S. §6001(45)) within Maine's territorial waters.

3. Atlantic Sea Scallops, Culling Required

Scallops less than the minimum legal size must be immediately liberated. It is prima facie evidence of possession of illegal scallops if a vessel contains scallops smaller than the minimum size while a scallop license holder or crewmember is shucking scallops.

4. Atlantic Sea Scallops, Shellstock Ratio to Meat Conversion, Possession Limit, Daily Limit

A. Shellstock Ratio to Meat Conversion

For the purposes of this regulation, one and a half bushels of shellstock shall be equal to one gallon of scallop meat.

B. Daily Harvest and Possession Limits.
(1) Daily Harvest and Possession Limit for Individuals Issued a License under §6702 or 6302-A for scallop dragging

It is unlawful to fish for, take or possess more than 15 gallons of scallop meat or any aggregate of meat and shellstock, which is greater than the equivalent of 15 gallons of meat per day per vessel.

(2) Daily Harvest and Possession Limit for Individuals Issued a License under §6701 or 6302-A for scallop diving

It is unlawful for an individual licensed under §6701 or 6302-A for scallop diving to fish for, take or possess more than 15 gallons of scallop meat or any aggregate of meat and shellstock, which is greater than the equivalent of 15 gallons of meat per day.

C. Daily Limit Restrictions.

It is unlawful to unload any portion of a day's catch and return to fishing in Maine's territorial waters. It is unlawful to transfer to or receive from another vessel any scallop shellstock or scallop meats.

5. Atlantic Sea Scallops Harvested Seaward of Maine's Territorial Waters

A vessel may possess or land more than 15 gallons of scallop meats per day within Maine's territorial waters only if it meets each of the following requirements:

A. The scallop meats were harvested seaward of Maine's territorial waters.

B. The vessel holds a valid current Federal Permit (Title 50(A) §648.4) that authorizes possession of more than 15 gallons of scallop meats per day.

C. The amount of scallop meats on board does not exceed the maximum amount authorized by the vessel's Federal Permit.

D. The vessel has all fishing gear (dredges, drags) securely stowed when transiting Maine's territorial waters. Securely stowed shall mean the main wire shall not be shackled or connected to the dredges or drags, and the towing swivel will be at block or on the winch.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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