Code of Maine Rules
13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL
Chapter 7 - REQUIREMENTS FOR MUNICIPALITIES HAVING SHELLFISH CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
Section 188-7-30 - Management Responsibilities
Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024
Municipalities that have an approved Municipal Shellfish Conservation Ordinance shall meet the requirements under 12 M.R.S. §6671 and the goals, objectives and conservation measures outlined in their Shellfish Management Plan; and they must implement the requirements outlined in this section. The municipality may appoint or elect a shellfish conservation committee to assist the municipality in executing its responsibilities. Municipal responsibilities include:
1. Establishing annually with approval from the Department at least 30 days prior to the period of issuance the number, type and fees of shellfish harvesting licenses to be issued using a Department-approved form.
2. Municipalities with an approved Shellfish Management Plan may be required to conduct resource surveys on a periodic basis of the commercially productive areas within the municipality classified as approved or conditionally approved, using Department-approved methods. The Department may require the municipality to conduct resource surveys prior to approving changes to their Municipal Shellfish Conservation Ordinance. The Department may also conduct resource surveys in lieu of or in conjunction with the municipalities.
3. Enforcing the municipal shellfish conservation ordinance by a Department certified Shellfish Warden including but not limited to requirements involving licensing and closures to shellfish harvest; and
4. Submitting annually, on a Department approved form, by April 1st, a complete and accurate Municipal Shellfish Management Plan Review, to the Department including the following information: statement of management goals and implementation actions, members of the shellfish committee or staff, shellfish committee meeting schedule, conservation credit information, summary of conservation closures/opening, summary of transplant activities, details on survey data, shellfish management activities undertaken, e.g. spat fall enhancement, predator controls, etc. and related expenses, number of shellfish harvest licenses sold, revenue from license sales and fines, funds raised or appropriated for shellfish management, and summaries of municipal wardens' activities for municipally managed areas.
