LD1352

Maine LD1352 amends scallop fishery regulations, prohibiting lottery-based apprentice programs and ensuring equal access to limited areas.

Maine LD1352 modifies the scallop fishery by banning apprentice programs that use a lottery system for entry. It also mandates that new entrants can only qualify for a hand fishing scallop license or a scallop dragging license if an existing license is terminated. The bill directs the Department of Marine Resources to create rules ensuring all license holders have equal access to limited scallop fishing areas simultaneously, without rotation. Rules adopted under this act are classified as routine technical rules. The changes are set to take effect by October 1, 2026.