Bill > LD64

This bill modifies regulations related to cultchless American oysters in Maine by establishing new rules for their possession, sale, and tolerance levels. Specifically, the bill prohibits taking, possessing, or selling American oysters when 20% or more of a bulk pile consists of cultchless oysters, with several important exceptions. These exceptions include: (1) oysters legally taken under a municipal shellfish conservation ordinance with a department-issued transplant permit, (2) oysters taken from authorized aquaculture lease or license sites by appropriately licensed individuals, and (3) oysters possessed, bought, or sold by people licensed under specific sections of Maine's shellfish licensing laws. The bill also specifies that the tolerance level will be determined by randomly sampling between one and four pecks from a bulk pile, or by counting the entire pile if it contains less than one peck. Additionally, the bill repeals a previous section of law related to oyster licensing, effectively eliminating the Cultchless American Oyster Growers License. The changes aim to provide clearer regulations for oyster harvesting and sales while maintaining flexibility for licensed aquaculture and shellfish operations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=64&snum=132