Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Marine Resources topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Bath amends marine ordinance to allow applicants with out-of-town shellfish licenses
Summary
Article 32 passed to remove a residency restriction from the Marine Resource Conservation Ordinance, allowing applicants who hold shellfish licenses in other municipalities to apply for West Bath licenses. Town staff said the change was required by the state and will reciprocate licensing.
Voters on May 22 approved Article 32 to amend the Town of West Bath Marine Resource Conservation Ordinance by removing language that had barred applicants who hold shellfish licenses with other municipalities from obtaining a West Bath license.
A resident asked whether nonresidents will be allowed to harvest shellfish in West Bath waters; town representatives said the change was required by the state and noted that license numbers remain limited by local caps. Officials said removing the restriction restores reciprocity with neighboring towns (so an applicant who holds a license in town A would not be categorically barred from a license in West Bath) while the town's limit on how many licenses are issued remains in force.
The item was presented, discussed briefly, and carried on a voice vote. The meeting record shows residents raised questions about county reciprocity and how out-of-town licenses would count against local limits; staff answered that local limits and qualification rules still apply.
