He is currently No. But she acknowledged that there is opposition to the idea, and shes expecting a lively hearing. Only seven new licenses were issued this year in the states six closed zones, said Deirdre Gilbert, director of marine policy at the Department of Marine Resources. More than 200 people are waiting in the wings for a lobstering license, which has long been a ticket to the middle class for working Mainers. Little did I know.. The Southwest Harbor resident hadnt planned to become a fisherman, justhelp outher family, but she got hooked. 7 Bulfinch Place Eight have been waiting on a license for 13 years. But a proposal before a state legislative. Notwithstanding subsection 7-A, each licensing year, the commissioner shall authorize new zone entrants for each limited-entry zone that have been on the waiting list pursuant to subsection 6 for 10 or more years and have met the eligibility requirements under section 6421, subsection 5. Horner, Mastersons longtime business partner and former stepfather, advocates for a measured approach. Based on state records, 55 of the 248 people currently sitting on one of the seven regional waitlists would fall into that category. Were all supposed to have a chance at it, but plain and simple, not everybody can be a lobsterman. Some years, nobody comes off the list, Masterson said. By his calculations he'll be nearly 80 years old or. To be issued federal halibit tag, you must have a current and active federal northeast multi-species permit on the vessel listed on your tag application. That would instantly add more than 50 new fishermen to the industry during an era of high catches and strong prices, but also concern about warming oceans and new fishing restrictions designed to protect whales. By his calculations he'll be nearly 80 years old or dead by the time his wait is over. But thats just a side gig. Ones name will be removed from the list if they do not respond by Sept. 2.Forms are being sent in the mail.The Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources approved changes to the licensing program in February. GMRI recommended the state adopt a tiered licensing system, where fishermen could join low-trap tiers sooner buthave towait longer to gain access to high-trap tiers. Another member of the marine resources committee, Democratic Rep. Genevieve McDonald, said concern over possible changes in lobster fishing rules make it difficult to let new fishermen onto the water. He is now the chief engineer of a 130-foot tug that pushes oil-laden barges off the coast of New Orleans. The Maine Department of Marine Department is asking anyone on a lobster license waiting list to contact them. Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, has proposed a bill that would give licenses to anyone who has been on the list for a decade or more. By his calculations he'll be nearly 80 years old or dead by the time his wait is over. There are few things in Maine as coveted as a lobster fishing license, and a proposal to bring dozens of people off the state's license waiting list has fishermen in the state ready for a fight. At this rate, my 9-year-old daughter, Eden, will be able to fish and sell her lobsters before I will.. All content Copyright 2000 - 2023 WHDH-TV. Thats never a real nice feeling.. The current limited entry ratio in Zone B is one new license issued for every five licenses retired. Were just waiting to see what happens, he said. But for everyone else, the wait can be years or even decades. AUGUSTA Lawmakers on the committee that handles marine resources issues voted Wednesday to make modest changes in the rules that control lobster fishing licenses in Maine, side-stepping a more controversial proposal for access to Maine's most lucrative fishery. Charles Gray of Scarborough disputes the notion that the system works. The last open lobster zone closed in 2016. On Super Bowl Monday, 17 million workers are expected to call in sick, Maine orders edibles containing CBD removed from stores, Invasive fish that took over lakes now threatens the rest of Maine, Auburn police seize more than 30 pounds of fentanyl, This Maine ski town may crack down on short-term rentals, Maine sees regional high school as model despite failed attempts, Aroostook Countys Hogan Tire sold to national chain, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. The idea was if somebodys been on the list that long, it would be nice to offer them an alternative, McCreight said. But it could have far-reaching effects.. But a proposal before a state legislative committee would bring new people into the fishery who have been waiting for 10 or more years. McDonald, a lobsterwoman from Stonington, said a particular problem is that the industry is faced with potential management changes to reduce interactions with the endangered North Atlantic right whale. There are fears that if licenses were transferable, theyd become so expensive transferable licenses in Atlantic Canada have been known to sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars each that the average young person couldnt afford to go fishing and the future of Maines coastal fishing communities would be put at risk. It urged the state to allow zone councils to relax entry-to-exit ratios and to change the way they calculate the number of traps retired when a lobsterman gives up his license. State Trooper's Cruiser. The committee will have a workshop for the bill before holding a vote. Based on local rules, which say that five lobstermen must leave the fishery before a new one can join, 150 local fishermen will have to retire or die before he can join. Learn more. The only changes the state has made to the system in recent years have been to give students more time to finish their apprenticeship requirements, which would keep young apprentices off the waitlist, and yank licensed lobstermen seeking to transfer from one zone to another off the apprentice lists. He wants zones to consider his or her historical fishing effort instead, to get a more accurate number for the allowable new traps. The Maine Lobstermens Association has yet to take a formal position on the proposal, and is meeting on the issue on Monday evening, said the groups president, Kristan Porter a Cutler lobsterman. Lobstering Zones in Maine. Stewart is one of Maine's 5,900 licensed lobster harvesters, who together haul in roughly 80% of U.S. landings of American lobster, worth more than $300 million. Maine Lobster Fishing License and Trap Tag Counts The MS-Excel file below requires MS Excel or the free MS Excel Viewer (download here) to view or print. Rep. William Tuell, R-East Machias, said he is torn over what to do about the waitlist. It will be your responsibility to obtain the appropriate tag, as outlined below. More than 200 people are waiting in the wings for a lobstering license, which has long been a ticket to the middle class for working coastal Mainers. The state is expected to release data about 2018 later this winter. PDF files below requires Adobe Acrobat or the free Adobe Reader (download here) to view or print. Until we know the outcome of these discussions it is very difficult to pass legislation that would increase lobster fishing effort, McDonald said. An act to Improve the Limited-Entry System would streamline the process for getting a lobster license in Maine, making it easier for students to complete the apprenticeship program and increasing the fees for lobstermen over the age of 70. Boston, MA 02114 It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Zone Waiting Lists - last updated July 21, 2022 Zone A - pdf file, 64kb Zone B - pdf file, 62kb Zone C - pdf file, 56kb Zone D - pdf file, 62kb Zone E - pdf file, 57kb Zone F - pdf file, 61kb Zone G - pdf file, 61kb Maine Lobster Island Limited Entry Program But students who complete their apprenticeship before they turn 20, or 23 if they are in college, can bypass the list altogether. For the people on the waiting list, its not far enough, and for the people in the fishery, we went too far, he said. But she acknowledged that there is opposition to the idea, and shes expecting a lively hearing. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Im so discouraged now it just hurts. Keliher hopes it allows more people to get off of the waiting list, and into the water. To limit the number of lobsters being caught, the first thing the state does is regulate the number of fishermen in the state. In July 2008, after completing the program, Masterson was added to a list of area fishermen waiting for a state lobster license. At least 50% of a lobstermen's traps must be set . Even though its a complicated system, its a pretty good system, he said. If you are interested, please contact Business Editor Patrick Gabrion at 504-8243 or email [emailprotected] Thank you. //]]> Elver Dealers MUST obtain their license on or before February 1st. Learn more. Fishermen are already burdened by low prices for their catches they averaged $3.19 per pound last year, essentially the same price they got in 2001 and high prices they have to pay for fuel, bait and gear. McDonald, a lobsterwoman from Stonington, said a particular problem is that the industry is faced with potential management changes to reduce interactions with the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Beede has worked as a sternman for eight years on his 70- year-old stepfathers lobster boat in the town of Mount Desert. If you do not get ANY tags in 2020, you will only be eligible for 100 tags in 2021. If, however, you need us to print you a license, please contact the DMR Licensing Division at 207-624-6550, Option 2, and we would be happy to do so. The Commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources says keeping an estimated 300 people on the waiting list is bad for the industry, and wants to make the process move faster. The state is expected to release data about 2018 later this winter. Please use our online licensing system, LEEDS at https://maine-dmr-leeds-prod.pegacloud.com/, for the fastest processing of your license and/or tag application. If you are interested in getting on the wait list for a participating island, Approved and Prohibited Freshwater Species, Lobster Fishing License and Trap Tag Counts, Maine Lobster Research, Education, and Development Board, Maine Lobster Limited Entry and Apprentice Program, Eligibility Criteria for Maine Students Who Want to Start Lobstering, Lobster and Other Trap/Pot Gear Modification Requirements, River Herring (Alewives and Blueback Herring), Maine DMR Online Licensing System Frequently Asked Questions, Maine Diver and Dive Tender License Safety Training Requirements, On-Line Harvester Catch & Landings Reporting, Maine Harvester Landing Reporting Form Examples, Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry (license), Tuna, Shark, and Other Large Species Information, Tips for Catch and Release of Striped Bass, Maine Saltwater Recreational Fishing Opportunities to Participate, Maine Saltwater Sport Fishing Tournaments for 2022, Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Summary, Shellfish Closures and Aquaculture Leases Map, Maine Shellfish Dealer Certification and Inspection, Municipal Shellfish Conservation Warden Information, Phytoplankton Monitoring Form and Guides for Volunteers, Water Quality Monitoring Forms and Protocols, Maine Shellfish Dealer Sanitation and HACCP Guidelines Manual and Forms, Salmon Restoration and Conservation Program (ASRCP), "Experimental" (Limited Purpose) Lease Applications and Forms, Limited-Purpose Aquaculture (LPA) License Applications and Forms, Public Participation in Aquaculture Leasing, Atlantic Halibut Research Tags and Rewards, Maine - New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey, Data Dashboard, Reports, and Publications, Maine Coastal Program's Mapping Initiative, MCMI - Current Projects and Program Highlights, Habitat Restoration and Tools (Maine Stream Habitat Viewer), Job, Internship, and Volunteer Opportunities, http://www.maine.gov/portal/help/adobe_support.html, Eligibility criteria for Maine students who want to start lobstering (effective April 5, 2016), Lobster limited entry brochure, August 2017- pdf file, 2 pages, Apprentice program brochure, August 2017- pdf file, 2 pages, Apprentice log sheet - MS Excel file, 39 kb, Log sheet submission deadline info (within 30 days of 250th hour) - pdf file, 32 kb, the Department of Marine Resources Regulations, Business and Economic Development Resources, Zone Waiting Lists - last updated July 21, 2022. Please follow these steps to ensure you are obtaining the correct tag type (FEDERAL or NON-FEDERAL). The study is being billed as a cost-benefit analysis. This includes any supplemental licenses. Make sure your tags are ordered correctly. He joined the Zone D waitlist in 2014. More than 200 people are waiting in the wings for a lobstering license, which has long been a ticket to the middle class for working coastal Mainers. Until we know the outcome of these discussions it is very difficult to pass legislation that would increase lobster fishing effort, McDonald said. In some cases, people are on the waiting list to get a license for decades. The states$434 million fisheryis divided into seven geographic zones governed by zone councils made up of state-licensed lobstermen. I understand the frustration of the people waiting, Taylor said. It concluded that setting entry barriers had more to do with controlling who gets the privilege to fish, not protecting the stock, as the number of traps had increased even as the number oflicenseholdersdecreased. Under the permit section on your license it should say EEZ (federal) or NON. The Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources approved changes to the licensing program in February. In Maine, lobster fishing policy starts at the harbor level. The response has been some very much in favor and some very much opposed.. I am concerned about people in this industry being able to make money. [CDATA[ Approved and Prohibited Freshwater Species, Lobster Fishing License and Trap Tag Counts, Maine Lobster Research, Education, and Development Board, Maine Lobster Limited Entry and Apprentice Program, Eligibility Criteria for Maine Students Who Want to Start Lobstering, Lobster and Other Trap/Pot Gear Modification Requirements, River Herring (Alewives and Blueback Herring), Maine DMR Online Licensing System Frequently Asked Questions, Maine Diver and Dive Tender License Safety Training Requirements, On-Line Harvester Catch & Landings Reporting, Maine Harvester Landing Reporting Form Examples, Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry (license), Tuna, Shark, and Other Large Species Information, Tips for Catch and Release of Striped Bass, Maine Saltwater Recreational Fishing Opportunities to Participate, Maine Saltwater Sport Fishing Tournaments for 2022, Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Summary, Shellfish Closures and Aquaculture Leases Map, Maine Shellfish Dealer Certification and Inspection, Municipal Shellfish Conservation Warden Information, Phytoplankton Monitoring Form and Guides for Volunteers, Water Quality Monitoring Forms and Protocols, Maine Shellfish Dealer Sanitation and HACCP Guidelines Manual and Forms, Salmon Restoration and Conservation Program (ASRCP), "Experimental" (Limited Purpose) Lease Applications and Forms, Limited-Purpose Aquaculture (LPA) License Applications and Forms, Public Participation in Aquaculture Leasing, Atlantic Halibut Research Tags and Rewards, Maine - New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey, Data Dashboard, Reports, and Publications, Maine Coastal Program's Mapping Initiative, MCMI - Current Projects and Program Highlights, Habitat Restoration and Tools (Maine Stream Habitat Viewer), Job, Internship, and Volunteer Opportunities, https://maine-dmr-leeds-prod.pegacloud.com/, Business and Economic Development Resources. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. That is the youngest age students in Maine can get a lobster license. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) There are few things in Maine as coveted as a lobster fishing license, and a proposal to bring dozens of people off the states license waiting list has fishermen in the state ready for a debate. Lobster licenses now cost fishermen $167 to $501 per year, with trap tags selling for 50 cents each. Hed like to buy his stepfathers boat and traps so his stepfather can retire, but first he has to get his own license something he says is nearly impossible under existing rules. The 30-year-old is earning six figuresnow, butis willing to give that up to return to Maine, his family and a start in the fishery when his number comes up. She still works for Horner, even though he and her mom are no longer together. The 2017 total of slightly less than 111 million pounds was the lowest since 2011, but it was still more than twice the 2003 haul. But a proposal before a state legislative committee would bring new people into the fishery who have been waiting for 10 or more years. Tell Hank: (855) 247-HANK. At 24, Masterson entered the lobster apprenticeship program. Others say they shouldnt be penalized simply for developing an interest in lobster fishing later in life. The bills presenter, Democratic Rep. Joyce McCreight of Harpswell, said the proposal is designed to help fishermen who have been the victim of a waiting list system that doesnt often budge. (Copyright (c) 2022 The Associated Press. Its frustrating for all the people on the lists, Beede said. Critics of the existing system say its unfair that people who once held licenses and then left the industry for one reason or another are now barred from getting new licenses without going through the apprentice program and being put on a long waiting list. Being home 24/7 is worth a lot, he said. The 2017 total of slightly less than 111 million pounds was the lowest since 2011, but it was still more than twice the 2003 haul. Classmates in Rockland who had known enough to get student lobster licenses fished straight out of high school, butKvorjakcouldnt, so he enrolled at Maine Maritime Academy. Paul LePage signed the bill into law this spring. The state is expected to release data about 2018 later this winter. Kvorjakunderstands the overcrowding concerns. He declined to take a personal stance on the issue until after the meeting. A licensing system put in place 15 years ago to protect the lobster population and lobster fishing community has resulted in long waits to get licenses. He doesnt want to risk overfishing a stock that Maine lobstermen have worked hard to protect. Lobster license changes up for debate in Maine State House. Gov. McCreight, the new co-chairwoman of the legislative committee that oversees lobster policy, wants to help what she considers a lost generation of Maine lobstermen thosesterningon boats along the states 3,500-mile coastline who cant gain full entry into the states most lucrative fishery because they didnt have their life plan mapped out in high school. Getting into Maine's lobster industry takes time. Sign up and get our top stories delivered daily to your inbox at 6 a.m. More than 200 people are waiting in the wings for a lobstering license, which has long been a ticket to the middle class for working coastal Mainers. But that adult apprentice who waits a decade to fish is no more threatening than the student-turned-commercial lobsterman who can enter even the most crowded zone at will,Kvorjaksaid. Hes cautious about speeding up the licensing process because he says the fishery is already too crowded. Six of the states seven lobster zones have waiting lists, with more than 50 people on the list in each of four of the zones. Another, proposed by McDonald, would exempt children age 12 and under from being counted as crew members on a captains license. As part of a law passed earlier this year, the department must check with anyone on the list and get an updated address. If you are interested in getting on the wait list for a participating island, please contact Lorraine Morris. More than 200 people are waiting in the wings for a lobstering license, which has long been a ticket to the middle class for working coastal Mainers. authenticate users, apply security measures, and prevent spam and abuse, and, display personalised ads and content based on interest profiles, measure the effectiveness of personalised ads and content, and, develop and improve our products and services. If you wait too long after the 6 week period, we can no longer track them. Many have deep ties to the region and the fishery, Masterson said. Yes, there are trap limits. Applications for 2020 licenses must be post marked on or before December 31, 2020. The new study hopes to make sense of it all, addressing the strengths and shortcomings of the existing system and developing recommendations to improve it.
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