Lobstering Laws In Maine: What Are The Consequences Of Breaking Them?

Lobster fishing is a vital part of Maine's economy and culture, and the state has implemented strict laws to ensure the sustainability of the lobster population and the industry. Violating these laws can result in severe fines and penalties. For example, possessing more than five lobsters that exceed the maximum size limit can result in a fine of $400 for each lobster. If egg-bearing female lobsters, which are crucial for the continuation of the species, are not immediately released back into the waters, fines can range from $2,500 to over $10,000. In the past, people have even been shot on the spot for messing with a trap that wasn't theirs, highlighting the importance of adhering to these regulations.

Fines for violating lobster harvesting laws

Lobster fishing is a vital part of Maine's economy and culture. To ensure sustainability, the state has implemented strict laws regulating lobster harvesting, including size limits, gear restrictions, and licensing requirements. These regulations aim to promote responsible fishing practices and prevent overfishing.

Violating these lobster harvesting laws can result in significant fines and penalties. Here are some key fines imposed for violating lobster harvesting laws in Maine:

• Size Limits Violations: According to Maine law, lobsters that can be legally harvested must have a carapace length between 3 1/4 inches and 5 inches. Violating these size limits can result in a fine of $400 for each lobster exceeding the maximum size limit.
• Egg-Bearing Females: Capturing and retaining female lobsters carrying eggs is strictly prohibited. Violations involving the possession of egg-bearing lobsters can result in hefty fines ranging from $2,500 to over $10,000.
• Trap Limits: Non-commercial lobster license holders are restricted to using no more than five lobster traps. Violating these trap limits may result in fines.
• Catch Restrictions: In addition to size limits, there are specific catch restrictions in place. For example, non-commercial license holders are allowed a maximum of 5 tags per license holder, with no more than 10 tags assigned to a single vessel. Violating these restrictions can lead to fines.
• License Requirements: Lobster harvesting without a valid license is illegal. Recreational lobster fishing requires a license, and commercial fishing involves an extensive apprenticeship program and licensing process. Fishing without the appropriate license can result in fines and other penalties.
• Hauling Restrictions: There are specific regulations regarding the days and times when lobstermen are permitted to haul traps. On Saturdays, traps can be hauled after 4 pm, while no hauling is allowed on Sundays. Violating these hauling restrictions can result in fines.
• Buoy Marking: Lobstermen are required to mark their buoys with their license number and specific color combinations. Non-compliance with buoy marking regulations can lead to fines.
• Lobster Transport and Sales: Maine law prohibits the possession, transport, or sale of lobsters that do not meet the size requirements. Fines may be imposed if individuals are found to be in possession of or selling lobsters that are smaller than 3 1/4 inches or larger than 5 inches.

These fines and penalties aim to deter violations and encourage compliance with the state's lobster harvesting laws, ensuring the sustainability of Maine's lobster fishery for future generations.

Lobster size limits

Lobsters smaller than 3 1/4 inches are typically not mature enough to breed, and harvesting them would hinder the population's ability to recoup losses. On the other hand, larger lobsters, known as "jumbos," are needed for breeding to maintain a healthy breeding stock. By catching only lobsters within the specified size range, fishers ensure that the lobster population can reproduce and maintain its sustainability.

To ensure compliance with these size regulations, lobstermen use a gauge to measure the size of their catch. Additionally, they must follow specific guidelines for marking and modifying their gear, such as buoys, to facilitate identification and traceability.

Violating lobster size limits can result in significant penalties and fines. Each violation carries a fine, and the amount increases for each illegal lobster over a certain number. These fines aim to deter illegal harvesting practices and protect the sustainability of the lobster industry in Maine.

In addition to size limits, Maine has strict laws protecting egg-bearing female lobsters, also known as "berried" lobsters. Fishers are required to perform a "v-notch" in the tail flipper of these lobsters and release them back into the water. This mark ensures that other lobstermen can recognize and return them to the water, even after they have released their eggs.

The lobster industry in Maine is heavily regulated, and these size limits are just one aspect of the comprehensive lobster laws. By adhering to these regulations, lobstermen and consumers can help protect the lobster fishery and ensure a sustainable livelihood for future generations.

Fishing seasons and days

Lobster fishing in Maine is a highly regulated activity, with strict laws governing the practice to protect the fishing industry and lobster population.

For those with a non-commercial lobster license, there is a limit to the number of traps that can be put out. In Maine, a non-commercial license allows for five traps per person, with a limit of 10 traps per boat. This type of license is intended for recreational use, and those holding it must follow the same rules and regulations as commercial fishermen, with the additional rule that they cannot sell their catch.

For commercial fishermen, the number of traps is not mentioned, but the season during which lobster fishing is permitted is specified. From June 1st to August 31st, it is illegal to haul lobster traps half an hour after dusk until half an hour before dawn. This is likely to allow for the protection of lobsters during their breeding season, as well as to give fishers a break from their labor-intensive work.

The lobster fishing season in Maine is likely tied to the lobster breeding season, which may vary depending on the specific region and environmental factors. By restricting fishing activities during certain times of the day and year, the state can help protect the lobster population and ensure the industry's sustainability.

It is important to note that these laws and regulations are subject to change and may be updated periodically. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the official sources and websites for the most up-to-date information on fishing seasons and days in Maine.

Licensing requirements

The process of obtaining a license for lobstering in Maine is a complex and lengthy one. The requirements are strict, and the waitlists are long, often exceeding 10 years.

Firstly, there is the matter of eligibility. To be eligible for a lobster license in Maine, one must meet specific age and educational criteria. For those over 18 and under 20, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with completion of the Apprenticeship Program. The program mandates at least 1000 hours of fishing, spanning a minimum of 200 days and 24 months. This must be documented and submitted before turning 20.

For those aged 20-23, the requirements are even more stringent. In addition to the Apprenticeship Program requirements, one must have logged fishing hours in the program before turning 18 and been enrolled in a half-time course of study at an accredited postsecondary institution since before turning 18, continuing each year thereafter.

The process is further complicated by zone-specific restrictions. Each zone has its own set of rules, and an apprentice must have apprenticed in a particular zone to enter it. For example, to enter Zone C, one must have apprenticed in Zone C.

Even after completing the necessary requirements, one is placed on a waitlist, which can be lengthy due to the high demand for licenses. It is important to note that having a family connection or being a resident of Maine does not grant any advantages in obtaining a license.

Recreational licenses, however, are more accessible. Residents of Maine can obtain a license that allows them to use up to 10 traps for non-commercial purposes.

The stringent licensing requirements in Maine aim to protect the lobster population and the fishing industry. By controlling the number of licenses issued, the state ensures that lobsters are harvested sustainably, maintaining a healthy population for the future.

Buoy regulations

In Maine, there are strict laws and regulations surrounding lobster fishing to protect the fishing industry and the lobster population. One of the key aspects of these regulations is the use of buoys, which are used to mark the location of lobster traps and facilitate their retrieval. Here are some of the key buoy regulations that must be followed when lobstering in Maine:

• Buoy Colour and Design: Lobster buoys must be clearly and permanently marked with the license number of the lobsterman. The colour design of the buoy must also be displayed on the boat in one of two ways: painted on panels on both sides of the boat and the hull, or mounted on the boat's sides with a minimum length of 12 inches. This helps identify the owner of the buoys and lowers the chances of theft.
• Unique Colour Patterns: It is important to choose a colour or colour pattern for your buoy that is unique to you and not used by any other lobsterman. This ensures that your buoys can be easily identified and associated with your business.
• Buoy Display on Boat: The colour design of the buoy must be clearly displayed on the boat. One way to do this is by attaching the buoy to the forward topside of the boat so that it can be easily seen from both sides. The design should be a solid 4-inch colour strip in height, with a length of 18 inches abutting another hue to create a rectangle, including a black border of one inch on each side.
• Buoy Size and Mounting: The buoy should be about 12 inches in length and mounted in a way that the colour design is clearly visible from all sides of the boat.
• Marking of Buoy: It is illegal in Maine to raise, set, transfer, or lift a lobster buoy unless it has been clearly marked with the license number allowing the lobsterman to fish. This helps ensure that only licensed individuals are engaging in lobster fishing and facilitates identification and enforcement of the regulations.
• Lobster Buoy Handling: It is unlawful for anyone, including licensed owners and the Marine Patrol Office, to possess, transfer, lift, raise, or molest a lobster buoy, lobster car, lobster warp, or trap in any way. Violation of this regulation can result in a mandatory three-year license loss. However, a lobster buoy, warp, car, or trap can be removed or moved by any individual with written permission from a Patrol Marine Officer to return the lobster gear to its rightful owner or dispose of it properly.
• Weak Link and Sinking Line: When fishing in coastal waters from the Exemption Line to the head of the tide, the lobster buoy must be fixed to a buoy line using a weak link with a breaking strength not exceeding 600 pounds. Additionally, every buoy line must be created entirely with a sinking line to comply with the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP).
• Buoy Material and Construction: While wooden buoys were commonly used in the past, most lobster buoys today are made of Styrofoam or plastic due to their inexpensive nature. However, Styrofoam buoys require more frequent repainting, while plastic buoys can lose their shape if run over or damaged.

By following these buoy regulations, lobstermen in Maine can help ensure compliance with the state's lobster fishing laws, protect the lobster population, and promote sustainable fishing practices.

Frequently asked questions