MENHADEN: Commercial Fishery reverts back to Daily Landing Limit and Designated Partnership Program Suspended for FY2024

Notice to all Menhaden Harvesters:

Maine's adjusted 2024 allocation is 23,950,712 pounds. As of mid-July, nearly 50% of the quota has been harvested.

Prior to the start of season, Department meetings with harvesters indicated that our collective goal was to run this fishery in a way that would ensure that quota remains available to continue the supply of fresh bait through the end of August.

If we were to continue the current rate of harvest, we run two risks:

• An overage in the quota with no guarantees of transfer, which would lower next year's quota

• No availability of fresh Maine pogies in mid-August and September.

After considering input from harvesters and dealers throughout the coast, the Department is making two changes to slow the rate of harvest to avoid these outcomes. Both of these changes are effective Sunday, July 14, 2024.

1. As provided for in the rule, the Commissioner is suspending the Designated Partnership Program for the remainder of the 2024 fishing season.
2. The commercial fishery will be subject to a daily landing limit of 5,950 pounds (17 barrels), with fishing days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The implementation of the daily limit will remain in place for a minimum of 2 weeks, at which time we will evaluate the overall landings and catch rate to determine if further adjustments are warranted.

NOTICE OF AGENCY EMERGENCY RULE-MAKING

AGENCY: Department of Marine Resources

CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: Chapter 41 Menhaden Commercial State Allocation Fishery Reduction

CONCISE SUMMARY:

The State Allocation fishery for menhaden opened June 17, 2024 with an available quota of 23.9 million pounds. Harvest rates are higher than previous seasons and are likely to lead to a quota overage if not reduced. This harvest rate will also result in the fishery being closed in mid-August. To ensure a moderate harvest pace on the remaining quota and available biomass, harvesters are restricted to a daily landing limit of 5,950 pounds per vessel per day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Commissioner has determined that it is necessary to take emergency action to revert to a daily landing limit to minimize the risk of an overage of the available menhaden quota and to prevent the depletion of the supply of bait. The Commissioner hereby adopts this emergency regulation as authorized by 12 M.R.S. §6171(3)(A) and (B).

EFFECTIVE DATE: Sunday, July 14, 2024

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

• MAPA Emergency Ch 41 Menhaden Reduced Harvest 7.14.24 WEB.pdf