Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher is also declining to comment on the proposal until Tuesdays hearing, a spokesman said. [CDATA[ All waited at least a decade. 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. But for the most part, lobstermen dont feel a pressing need to change the system, he said. She got her real estatelicense, andrents out a handful of vacation properties she has bought up over the years. In 2012, Maine hired the Gulf of Maine Research Institute to study the lobster license system to weigh whether the conservation benefits of restricting entry to the fishery outweighed the employment barriers. The bill also raises the age for young lobstermen to automatically get a license when they finish an apprenticeship. If you are applying to obtain a northeast multi-species permit, and you will have that permit during the 2021 season, you will need to provide DMR Licensing staff with the documentation showing you have applied to obtain that permit, and YOU MUST contact DMR before your tags are issued. In 2018, four wait-listers inKvorjakszone got licenses. 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. 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. Instead, Cousens said it could let too many people into the industry. Im so discouraged now it just hurts. See Offers. The state Department of Marine Resources agrees that the waiting list for lobster licenses in most fishing zones along the coast is too long and, if possible, something should be done to reduce the time it takes to get a license. Im 49 years old and should be able to haul my own traps. High school student Caleb Hardie said its difficult to complete the required 1,000 hours in the training program before the age of 18, while balancing school and community activities. Boston, MA 02114 All rights reserved, 31 Pounds of Fentanyl Seized After Being Shipped to Maine Restaurant, 2 Teens Charged in Unprovoked' Attack on Woman at South Boston MBTA Station, Cheers' Bar, Tonight Show' Set, Star Trek' Costumes Among TV History at Auction, Vermont Woman Charged With DUI in Crash That Killed Her 11-Year-Old Son, 2 Teens Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Rifle From Mass. 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 state's license waiting list has fishermen in the . The Marine Resources Committee member said he has friends and family that are hurt by the long waits, but others who did their time on the waitlist and worry that essentially opening the gates now would trigger trap wars, make an already tight bait market worse and could make it even more likely that federal regulators tasked with protecting right whales would put harsh restrictions on the industry. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. Still others, like Beede, say licenses should be transferable among members of the same family. 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. And my father should be able to retire.. But she acknowledged that there is opposition to the idea, and shes expecting a lively hearing. 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. This law allows year-round island communities to petition the Commissioner for the establishment of an island limited entry program in order to maintain a number of lobster licenses appropriate for the needs of their island community and the local lobster resource. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Horner taught her how to lobster, fish for shrimp and scallops, and drag for haddock, monkfish and cod. 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. Most fishing zones were closed to newcomers almost 20 years agoin an effort toprevent overfishing and the turf wars that can happen when a fishery grows too large, too fast. 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. Most zones allow lobstermen to fish up to 800 traps at a time, while some allow only 600 traps at a time. Im very fortunate to have had another option, but some people dont. Learn more. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"c1zG27wHNai5dMWqstawCfdcKbFoTNjrhMZ6GfCWxc8-1800-0"}; 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. If, however, you need us to print you a license, please contact us and we would be happy to do so. You cant legislate to let everyone do what they want to do, he said. 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. 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. Hes cautious about speeding up the licensing process because he says the fishery is already too crowded. (Gregory Rec / Portland Press Herald). I love my jobnowbut I miss at least half of everything that goes on at home. 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. Children who finish their apprenticeships before they turn 18 can get a license when theyre 17, a provision aimed at preserving the tradition in lobster-fishing families. As part of a law passed earlier this year, the department must check with anyone on the list and get an updated address. Were all supposed to have a chance at it, but plain and simple, not everybody can be a lobsterman. Lobsterman Jim Buxton climbs up from a dock where after checking on the bilge pump on his lobster fishing boat during frigid temperatures, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in Portland, Maine. It is your responsibility to make sure the tags are ordered correctly. In order to apply for a new license or renew a license with the system, you first need to create a login for LEEDS Frequently Asked Questions 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. . Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Based on state records, 55 of the 248 people currently sitting. I knew Id have to wait, but I thought it would be a couple years. He had once held a lobsterlicense, butgave it up when he went to school. Please contact the landings program at 624-6550,Option 1, with regard to any landings reporting issues or concerns. South Thomaston lobsterman David Cousens, longtime president of the Maine Lobstermens Association, said fishermen acknowledge the inequity of somebody waiting for years for a lobster license. Five students got in with no wait the year before. The idea was if somebodys been on the list that long, it would be nice to offer them an alternative, McCreight said. If the system is changed, some fear it could result in a lower trap limit now at 800 traps per lobsterman for most of the state that could hurt their profits even more. For the people on the waiting list, its not far enough, and for the people in the fishery, we went too far, he said. In July 2008, after completing the program, Masterson was added to a list of area fishermen waiting for a state lobster license. Beede has worked as a sternman for eight years on his 70- year-old stepfathers lobster boat in the town of Mount Desert. Learn more. If your vessel does not have a current or active federal permit - you will be issued non federal tags. Scott Beede is one of 302 people on the waiting list for a Maine lobster license. (Copyright (c) 2022 The Associated Press. The proposal is among a suite of changes proposed to the lobster licensing system in Maine. 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. But it could have far-reaching effects.. BEVER: And the waiting list for a lobster license is years long, which is why Portland schoolteacher Halima Noor pushed Cris and other students to say yes when Luke's offered boat time,. Maine fishermen are by far the biggest producers of lobster in the U.S., and the state in the midst of a multi-year boom in lobster catch. Ten years later, after almost a quarter century in the business, the 38-year-old Masterson is still waiting. The state is expected to release data about 2018 later this winter. State Trooper's Cruiser. Effective September 12, 2009, a law was enacted to protect the long-term viability of island lobster fishing communities. 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. If you need help with PDF files, visit http://www.maine.gov/portal/help/adobe_support.html. 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. Kvorjakstarted fishing when he was in middle school after his mother married a lobsterman. The people not in the business dont understand. Sign up and get our top stories delivered daily to your inbox at 6 a.m. Dreaming of a lobster license, but trapped on a waitlist. And my father should be able to retire.. 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. She still works for Horner, even though he and her mom are no longer together. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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. The Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources approved changes to the licensing program in February. Maine fishermen are by far the biggest producers of lobster in the U.S., and the state in the midst of a multi-year boom in lobster catch. It will be your responsibility to obtain the appropriate tag, as outlined below. Thirty lobstermen are in front of him. Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher is also declining to comment on the proposal until Tuesdays hearing, a spokesman said. By his calculations he'll be nearly 80 years old or dead by the time his wait is over. Tags are ordered the next day after your license is processed. Keliher hopes it allows more people to get off of the waiting list, and into the water. If you are interested in getting on the wait list for a participating island, please contact Lorraine Morris. If you have NOT received your tags within 6 week of ordering them, please contact DMR Licensing Division at (207) 624-6550, Option 2 so we can check on your status. Scott Beede is one of 302 people on the waiting list for a Maine lobster license. There are now four licensees from Zone A and eight licensees from Zone C on a transfer list to get into Zone B, said DMR lobster council liaison Sarah Cotnoir. That is the youngest age students in Maine can get a lobster license. WHDH broadcast educational and informational programming for children, and file quarterly reports with the FCC detailing the station's outreach to children. [CDATA[ But students who complete their apprenticeship before they turn 20, or 23 if they are in college, can bypass the list altogether. ), WHDH TV 7NEWS WLVI TV CW56 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. All tags will be shipped to the address on record in LEEDS. 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. LOBSTER BOATS SIT at their moorings at dawn at Pretty Marsh Harbor in Mount Desert. I understand the frustration of the people waiting, Taylor said. A decadelong wait is not unusual for the zones with the oldest lists. This list is established with a one-for-one swap, meaning a fisherman in any given zone would need to transfer his or her license before someone on the transfer waiting list can swap zones. The idea was if somebodys been on the list that long, it would be nice to offer them an alternative, McCreight said. 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. Until we know the outcome of these discussions it is very difficult to pass legislation that would increase lobster fishing effort, McDonald said. Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher is also declining to comment on the proposal until Tuesdays hearing, a spokesman said. In 2016, the Maine Legislature passed LD 1503, a law requiring the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to contact individuals currently on Limited Entry Zone Lobster License Waiting Lists, to determine if they wish to remain on the list, or if they wish to be removed. Below are several things that you should be aware of prior to renewing/applying for your licenses or applying for tags. 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. This includes any supplemental licenses. Beede, 50, says the states 15-year-old licensing system needs an overhaul to give newcomers like him a fair shot at getting a license to fish their own traps in Maines lobsterrich waters. 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. For license holders in limited entry fisheries (lobster, urchins, scallops, sea cucumbers, elvers), if you intend to retain your license in 2021, you must renew your 2020 license by December 31, 2020. It also changes the way old licenses are retired. Another, proposed by McDonald, would exempt children age 12 and under from being counted as crew members on a captains license. News Tips: (800) 280-TIPS 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. By The Associated Press PORTLAND . In most of the state, the system is set up so that one license is issued for every 4,000 lobster traps that are put into retirement. He thinks the fishery is already too crowded, especially with fishermen from neighboring fishing zones able to fish up to half their 800 traps in local waters. Were all working on one piece of pie. She still dreams of getting that license, and the freedom that comes with being her own boss. 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. He joined the Zone D waitlist in 2014. Six of Maine's seven lobster zones have a waiting list for new entrants. In some cases, people are on the waiting list to get a license for decades. The proposal is up for a hearing on Tuesday before the Committee on Marine Resources. That would allow them to participate aboard the boat, which some in the fishery say has long been standard practice anyway. But a proposal before a state legislative committee would bring new people into the fishery who have been waiting for 10 or more years. It is that time of year again to renew licenses that expire at the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2020) or to apply for a 2021 license. Gov. They can only apply for a license after a captain endorses them, and the waiting list for licenses is lengthy. 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. Others say they shouldnt be penalized simply for developing an interest in lobster fishing later in life. 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. At 24, Masterson entered the lobster apprenticeship program. 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 2017 total of slightly less than 111 million pounds was the lowest since 2011, but it was still more than twice the 2003 haul. That would allow them to participate aboard the boat, which some in the fishery say has long been standard practice anyway. Not everybody can be a taxi driver in New York City, either. As chairman of the local lobster zone council, Horner has voted to ease local entry requirements facing wait-listers, butdoes not want to speed it up too much. All Rights Reserved. The list was initially set up to try to give everyone fair access, but its not worked out like that. 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. Scott Beede is one of 302 people on the waiting list for a Maine lobster license. He is currently No. Online Applications | Paper Applications | Landings Reports | Lobster Tags and Conservation Areas | Halibut Tags | Urchin Licenses | Elver Dealers, Online License Applications (LEEDS): https://maine-dmr-leeds-prod.pegacloud.com/. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. Nowadays, he works as a sternman on his fathers boat, with his 79-yearold father who has a license merely coming along for the ride to make things legal. Ten years later, he returned to fishing, only to find a long waiting list. For more information on the Island Limited Entry Program and participating islands please see the Department of Marine Resources Regulations and scroll down to Chapter 25. McCreight knows her bill will not sit well with some already licensed fishermen. Online Licensing System (LEEDS) The Maine Department of Marine Resources' online licensing and landings system, called LEEDS (Licensing Enforcement and Environmental Data System) is now available. 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. The committee has not yet scheduled a public hearing on McCreights bill, L.D. 28. Some state lawmakers want to help people like Masterson who have been languishing on the apprentice waitlist for years. But she acknowledged that there is opposition to the idea, and shes expecting a lively hearing. Elver Dealers MUST obtain their license on or before February 1st. He declined to take a personal stance on the issue until after the meeting. 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. Applications for 2020 licenses must be post marked on or before December 31, 2020. Little did I know.. Lobster licenses now cost fishermen $167 to $501 per year, with trap tags selling for 50 cents each. It is that time of year again to renew licenses that expire at the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2020) or to apply for a 2021 license. To get a license now, wouldbe lobstermen have to complete a lobster fishing apprentice program that takes at least two years. 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. Ones name will be removed from the list if they do not respond by Sept. 2. We do not ship to other addresses or out of state addresses, so please make arrangements to have your tags picked up at your address on record in LEEDS. Great Jones Cookware Review: Is It Worth Buying? A person who is on a waiting list for a class I, II or III lobster and crab fishing license for a limited-entry zone shall be removed from that list following a suspension for a violation of a marine resources law and shall be reinstated at the bottom of the waiting list following notification to the Department of eligibility for a license upon Another, proposed by McDonald, would exempt children age 12 and under from being counted as crew members on a captains license. If you are interested, please contact Business Editor Patrick Gabrion at 504-8243 or email [emailprotected] Thank you. 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. He wants zones to consider his or her historical fishing effort instead, to get a more accurate number for the allowable new traps. Although a lobsterman may be allowed to fish 800 traps at a time, they don't necessarily have to set the maximum number of traps. The response has been some very much in favor and some very much opposed.. Comments are not available on this story. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service. Fourteen people in the zone would benefit from McCreights 10-year license bill, including VernonKvorjakof South Thomaston, who missed his student deadline by mere months as a teen. At first that list was based on an entry/exit ratio of licenses exiting the zone, however, the ratio was changed recently from the number of licenses exiting to the number of trap tags exiting that zone. In most zones, that means long waits before the apprentice can start hauling his or her own traps. The Maine Department of Marine Department is asking anyone on a lobster license waiting list to contact them. But a proposal before a state legislative. ADVERTISEMENT The state is expected to release data about 2018 later this winter. LD 1503, An Act to Amend Lobster and Crab Fishing License Laws, passed by the Maine Legislature in April, requires the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to contact all individuals who are currently on lobster license waiting lists for each of the six current Limited Entry Zones (A, B, D, E, F, and G), and determine if those individuals The committee will have a workshop for the bill before holding a vote. Some state waters have too many fishermen fighting over the same area of lobster-rich bottom, he said. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. I was so excited about the future, Masterson recalled. Its hard to let any student in immediately, then have people waiting on a list for 15 years,Kvorjaksaid. Every lobster trap across Maine need to have a biodegradable panel of escape and escape vents. 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. That means it takes at least five fishermen and oftentimes more to give up their licenses before a single new license is issued. I am concerned about people in this industry being able to make money. He doesnt want to risk overfishing a stock that Maine lobstermen have worked hard to protect. For assistance, call the DMR Licensing Division at 207-624-6550, Option 2. Federal halibut tags will be issued by DMR this year. She is heading into her . Not everybody can do what they want to do.. 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. Even though its a complicated system, its a pretty good system, he said. At a hearing on the bill Wednesday, some said it would put. Getting into Maine's lobster industry takes time. At least 50% of a lobstermen's traps must be set . Fishermen opposed the recommendations. Many have deep ties to the region and the fishery, Masterson said. Rep. William Tuell, R-East Machias, said he is torn over what to do about the waitlist. In a closed fishery, would-be lobstermen who finish a state apprenticeship program go on the zone waiting list, where they must wait for a certain number of fishermen to give up their licenses, or their trap tags, before they can start fishing. If you are obtaining your license online through LEEDS, you MUST print off your license, as we do not print online licenses. Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries.
