An Act To Authorize The Commissioner Of Marine Resources To Add Limited-Access Area Fishing Days During The Scallop Season

This bill authorizes Maine's Commissioner of Marine Resources to add up to five limited-access area fishing days during the scallop season. It directly affects Maine scallop fishermen who operate in designated limited-access zones, allowing them to harvest scallops on additional days when weather or population conditions permit. The commissioner may establish these days via rulemaking if inclement weather caused lost fishing days or if scallop populations support extra harvesting. The policy change is limited to a maximum of five days per season and requires the commissioner's determination of both weather impacts and population sustainability.