Bill > LD489

This bill provides a temporary vessel breakdown exception for commercial halibut fishing license holders in Maine. Specifically, the bill allows the state's commissioner of marine resources to authorize a commercial halibut fishing license holder to use a vessel different from the one originally named on their license if their primary vessel becomes temporarily inoperable due to an accident or mechanical failure. To obtain this authorization, the license holder must provide written documentation to the commissioner explaining the vessel's breakdown. The temporary authorization has strict limitations: it can last up to two weeks, with a potential one-time 2-week extension, and cannot be granted in two consecutive years. Additionally, the commissioner may require the license holder to fish and land halibut separately from other license holders to ensure that overall harvest limits are not exceeded. The bill is being introduced as an emergency measure to ensure it takes effect before the 2025 commercial halibut fishing season begins on May 18, 2025, providing flexibility for commercial fishermen who might experience unexpected vessel problems.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=489&snum=132