March 18, 2021 — The elver season is set to open Monday, March 22, and continue until June 7, unless the state’s harvesters reach their quotas before then.
Those quotas will remain unchanged for individuals this season, according to recent rulemaking from the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Fishermen who held licenses in 2020 will have the same allocation this year as they did last, plus any quota associated with licenses that were not renewed or were suspended beyond which is allocated to new license holders.
The rule also established a tending requirement for fishermen. The contents of fyke nets and Sheldon box traps must be removed at least once every 16 hours in order to reduce by-catch and elver mortality.
The 2020 season was postponed a week due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines established for that season will continue this spring.
“Specifically, licensed elver harvesters may again fish for and sell the quota of another licensed harvester, provided they follow the necessary protocols,” according to a notice to industry members.