Key points of LD170

Allow bycatch lobster to be landed in Maine according to federal guidelines: maximum 500 lobsters per fishing trip.

Non-trap harvesting would be prohibited within 40-50 miles of the Maine coast. Harvesting would be limited to ASMFC Lobster Management Area 3.  This would ensure no conflicts with the trap fishery, which catches 80% of its lobsters within 3 miles of the coast.

Adhere to Maine's existing lobster conservation measures. Bycatch lobster landings would be subject to existing regulations setting minimum and maximum sizes, and a prohibition on landing V-notch lobster.

Cap non-trap landings to ensure the trap fishery would always be guaranteed about 95% of Maine's lobster catch.

Mandatory monthly dealer reporting to the Department of Marine Resources of:

A new license would be created to allow landings of non-trap lobsters. The license would be similar to Massachusetts’ Offshore Lobster Permit, which costs $260 for residents and $520 for non-residents. License revenue would be used to pay for administration of the bycatch landings program.

The Department of Marine Resources would report to the Legislature annually on the results and effects of the law. If unforeseen developments occurred, the Legislature could terminate the program.

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