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Committee hears DMR bill to use emerging‑fishery tool for black sea bass and create noncommercial northern shrimp license
Summary
DMR-sponsored LD 1176 would allow the 'emerging fisheries' endorsement tool to apply to species under the pelagic and anadromous license (e.g., black sea bass) and would create a noncommercial northern shrimp license that could be activated if a shrimp season is reauthorized; DMR testified the changes are housekeeping and precautionary to enable sustainable management if those fisheries return or expand.
Representative Holly Eaton presented LD 1176 on behalf of the Department of Marine Resources, saying the bill would expand the use of the state’s emerging fisheries statute to species that fall under the pelagic and anadromous license and would create a noncommercial northern shrimp license that would be available only if a shrimp fishery is reauthorized.
Deirdre Gilbert of DMR explained the endorsement mechanism: endorsements can temporarily limit access while the department collects biological and management information and must be recommended by the DMR Advisory Council. The endorsement period is limited to three years, renewable once, and the commissioner reports back to the legislature within 24 months on management goals and access control.
DMR noted black sea bass is quota managed and Maine’s quota for 2025 is modest (just over 19,000 pounds), and that limiting initial participation is necessary to avoid exceeding quota while data are gathered and enforcement capacity is assured.
On northern shrimp, Gilbert said the bill removes the existing personal‑use exemption that would otherwise allow unlicensed take if a shrimp moratorium were lifted; replacing it with a noncommercial license would make landings accountable and support quota management if a fishery returns. DMR characterized that portion as a housekeeping measure so the department could regulate and account for any future shrimp take.
The committee took no immediate vote and closed the hearing, thanking DMR for the explanation and indicating further committee consideration at work session.
