MENHADEN: Emergency Rule Repealed - Commercial Weekly Harvest Limit Resumes

Notice to all Menhaden Harvesters:

Maine's adjusted 2024 allocation is 23,950,712 pounds and approximately 10 million pounds remain available for harvest (56% quota has been landed).

On Monday, DMR implemented two changes to the commercial menhaden fishery. Together, these have had the effect of significantly reducing the pace of landings. Based on that information, DMR has decided to repeal the emergency rule that removed the weekly landing limit a week earlier than originally anticipated. Therefore, effective Monday, July 22, 2024, the weekly landing limit of 17,850 pounds per vessel is reinstated, with fishing days on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

However, the Designated Partnership Program remains suspended for the remainder of the 2024 fishing season.

NOTICE OF AGENCY EMERGENCY RULE-MAKING

AGENCY: Department of Marine Resources

CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: Chapter 41 Menhaden Emergency Regulation Repeal

CONCISE SUMMARY: On July 14, 2024 the Department of Marine Resources implemented an emergency regulation, which limited the commercial menhaden fishery to a daily limit of 5,950 lbs. and removed the weekly limit. DMR is now repealing that emergency regulation, which will restore the previous weekly limit of 17,850 lbs. available to be taken on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only.
The Commissioner hereby repeals the emergency regulation as authorized by 12 M.R.S. §6192(5).

EFFECTIVE DATE: Sunday, July 21, 2024

For questions on menhaden regulations in Maine, contact Melissa Smith at [email protected]or 207.441.5040

Fair winds to you and yours.

Melissa D. Smith

Marine Resource Management Coordinator

Maine Department of Marine Resources

21 State House Station, 32 Blossom Lane

Augusta, ME 04333-0021

(207) 441-5040

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