AUGUSTA, Maine — March 8, 2013 — The following was released by the Maine Department of Marine Resources
he Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Northern Shrimp Section voted today to allow fishing seven days a week in both the trap and trawl fishery starting Wednesday, March 13, 2013. Trawlers had previously been allowed to fish Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, while trappers had been allowed to fish every day except Sunday.
The Section also voted to remove the trap fishery daily possession limit, which had been set at 500 pounds. In addition, the Section voted to close both fisheries on Friday, April 12, 2013.
Additionally, Maine Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Patrick Keliher has amended the trawl fishing hours to allow trawl fishing from sunrise to sunset. Previously, trawlers had been allowed to fish from 7am to 5:30pm.
These changes, which take effect Wednesday, March 13, 2013, will continue until further notice.
A summary of the 2013 shrimp specifications that become effective on March 13, 2013 for each fishery is below.
General
– Individuals may fish with either trap or trawl gear. Fishing with one gear type (trap or trawl) forfeits an individual’s opportunity to fish with another gear for the remainder of the 2013 season. An individual with multiple shrimp licenses is restricted to the same type of gear for all of their licenses.
– The Commissioner may implement additional adjustments to effort control measures based on updated research surveys and landing information.
– The Section will continue to monitor the shrimp landings and close by emergency action if shrimp becomes mixy.
Trawl Fishery Specifications
– Vessels may fish from sunrise to sunset (as defined in 12 M.R.S. § 6001(45 & 46)) seven days a week. Nets must be secured by sunset.
– Vessels may land once per calendar day only.
– The fishery will close at sunset on April 12, 2103 or when 85% of 539.02 mt quota is projected to be harvested.
Trap Fishery Specifications
– Vessels may haul traps 24-hours a day.
– Vessels may land once per calendar day only.
– The fishery will close at 11:59 p.m. on April 12, 2013 or when 85% of 80.54 mt quota is projected to be harvested.
– Shrimp traps must be removed from the water no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 17 (5 days after the season is closed) and no shrimp may be retained from traps hauled after the close of the season.
For more information, visit www.maine.gov/dmr or contact Chris Vonderweidt at 624-6558.