Maine scallop fishermen win "a small victory" with more flexible rules
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Press Herald] By Tom Bell - November 24, 2014 - Portland Press Herald
Maine’s scallop fishermen and state regulators have been working for years to rebuild the nation’s largest inshore sea scallop fishery. This week federal regulators gave them a boost.
The New England Fishery Management Council on Thursday approved a measure that would allow scallop draggers licensed to operate in federal waters in the Gulf of Maine to also take part in Maine’s winter scallop season in state waters – even after the total allowable catch limit is reached in federal waters.
“It’s a small victory for Maine scallop fishermen,” said Togue Brawn, who owns a Portland business that buys scallops from Maine’s small-boat fleet.
Maine’s fishery is a 70-day season that starts on Dec. 1 and ends in April..
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