DMR-backed bill would expand emerging-fishery tool to pelagic license and create noncommercial northern shrimp license

The Department of Marine Resources told the committee it supports LD 1176, a department-sponsored bill introduced in the legislature by Representative Holly Eaton that updates Maine’s “emerging fisheries” statute and creates a noncommercial northern shrimp license for future use if a shrimp season reopens.

DMR Director of State Marine Policy Deirdre Gilbert briefed the committee on the bill’s two main pieces. First, the bill would broaden the existing emerging-fishery tool (which today applies to species taken under the state commercial fishing license) so it can be used for species that are harvested under the pelagic and anadromous license as well. The emerging-fishery approach allows the department, with advisory-council approval, to require endorsements (temporary limiting endorsements attached to licenses) to limit access initially while the department collects biological and social information and designs an appropriate management approach. The endorsement period currently can be three years with one three-year renewal.

DMR cited black sea bass as a species of current interest: Maine’s allocation is small (roughly 19,000 pounds in 2025) and a limited initial participant pool could help a small, controlled Maine fishery develop while staying within quota. Gilbert said the bill would also permit DMR to use the tool if a species is newly established in Maine waters due to climate-driven range shifts and access needs controlling to ensure sustainability.

Second, LD 1176 would remove a statutory exemption that now allows any person to take a tote (a “tote of shrimp” for personal use) without a license should a northern shrimp season be authorized. Instead the bill would create a noncommercial northern shrimp license (suggested fee $20) that would be sold only if the fishery were reopened. DMR explained the change is intended to ensure that if a shrimp season resumes, all participants would be licensed so landings can be accounted for against an available quota.

Committee questions touched on mechanics and examples. Members asked whether the expanded emerging-fisheries authority could be used for menhaden (answer: no — menhaden already has its own license outside of the commercial license) and sought clarification that a noncommercial shrimp license would only be sold if a fishery is authorized to occur. DMR confirmed both points.

DMR asked the committee to advance the bill; no committee vote occurred during the hearing recorded in the transcript.