Code of Maine Rules
13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL
Chapter 26 - SEA URCHINS
Section 188-26-03 - Sea Urchin Maximum Size and Tolerance
Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024
1. Prohibition
It is unlawful for any person to take, possess, ship, transfer, transport, buy, or sell a sea urchin having a shell measuring more than 3 inches in the longest diameter, measuring from the top or bottom of the urchin, exclusive of spines.
2. Exceptions to 26.03(1) Prohibition
Any person may possess sea urchins measuring more than 3 inches if they comprise less than 5% of any bulk pile.
Zone 1 & 2 divers may take sea urchins that are more than 3 inches if they comprise less than 20% of any bulk pile prior to culling on board.
All licensed sea urchin harvesters except Zone 1 & 2 divers may take sea urchins that are more than 3 inches prior to culling on board.
Any person exceeding the possession tolerance of this regulation for sea urchins measuring more than 3 inches shall not be in violation of Chapter 26.03 if that person is in possession of a bill of lading for the amount of the sea urchins exceeding the tolerance amount showing those sea urchins were lawfully obtained from an origin outside the State of Maine. The absence of a bill of lading shall be prima facie evidence that the sea urchins were taken from waters within the jurisdiction of the State of Maine.
3. Tolerance
Tolerance shall be determined by numerical count of not less than 1/2 bushel taken at random from various parts of the bulk pile or by count of the entire bulk pile if it contains less than 1/2 bushel.
If any person is found in possession of sea urchins measuring more than 3 inches that comprise more than 5% of the bulk pile pursuant to 26.03(2)(A) or 20% pursuant to 26.03(2)(B)(1), that bulk pile shall be considered contraband and subject to seizure.
4. Culling Requirement
Sea urchins measuring more than 3 inches must be culled on board immediately after take, and liberated alive into the marine waters.
