The only changes the state has made to the system in recent years have been to give students more time to finish their apprenticeship requirements, which would keep young apprentices off the waitlist, and yank licensed lobstermen seeking to transfer from one zone to another off the apprentice lists. In some cases, people are on the waiting list to get a license for decades. AUGUSTA Lawmakers on the committee that handles marine resources issues voted Wednesday to make modest changes in the rules that control lobster fishing licenses in Maine, side-stepping a more controversial proposal for access to Maine's most lucrative fishery. That would allow them to participate aboard the boat, which some in the fishery say has long been standard practice anyway. Many have deep ties to the region and the fishery, Masterson said. All content Copyright 2000 - 2023 WHDH-TV. Sign in or Subscribe The new study hopes to make sense of it all, addressing the strengths and shortcomings of the existing system and developing recommendations to improve it. Another, proposed by McDonald, would exempt children age 12 and under from being counted as crew members on a captains license. Rep. William Tuell, R-East Machias, said he is torn over what to do about the waitlist. Its frustrating for all the people on the lists, Beede said. Make sure all of your landings reports are up to date, and that you do not owe reports. Shouldnt I be the one to teach him how to fish? Morrissette asked. That would instantly add more than 50 new fishermen to the industry during an era of high catches and strong prices, but also concern about warming oceans and new fishing restrictions designed to protect whales. Elver Dealers MUST obtain their license on or before February 1st. Ones name will be removed from the list if they do not respond by Sept. 2. As part of a law passed earlier this year, the department must check with anyone on the list and get an updated address. WHDH broadcast educational and informational programming for children, and file quarterly reports with the FCC detailing the station's outreach to children. In Maine, lobster fishing policy starts at the harbor level. But she acknowledged that there is opposition to the idea, and shes expecting a lively hearing. That would allow them to participate aboard the boat, which some in the fishery say has long been standard practice anyway. Its hard to let any student in immediately, then have people waiting on a list for 15 years,Kvorjaksaid. If, however, you need us to print you a license, please contact the DMR Licensing Division at 207-624-6550, Option 2, and we would be happy to do so. Please follow these steps to ensure you are obtaining the correct tag type (FEDERAL or NON-FEDERAL). It also changes the way old licenses are retired.Get the WMTW App9234718, Amazon Has Uncanny Dupes of CB2's Popular Dining Chair for Hundreds Less. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Sunbeam Television Corp Please contact the landings program at 624-6550,Option 1, with regard to any landings reporting issues or concerns. Fishermen have caught more than 100 million pounds of the crustaceans for the last seven years after never previously reaching that mark in the states history. . The 30-year-old is earning six figuresnow, butis willing to give that up to return to Maine, his family and a start in the fishery when his number comes up. These licenses are not easy to come by. Learn more. Paul LePage signed the bill into law this spring.The bill also raises the age for young lobstermen to automatically get a license when they finish an apprenticeship. Beede has worked as a sternman for eight years on his 70- year-old stepfathers lobster boat in the town of Mount Desert. ADVERTISEMENT The state Department of Marine Resources agrees that the waiting list for lobster licenses in most fishing zones along the coast is too long and, if possible, something should be done to reduce the time it takes to get a license. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) There are few things in Maine as coveted as a lobster fishing license, and a proposal to bring dozens of people off the state's license waiting list has fishermen in the . "They created a legacy for us to fulfill," says Raegan of her ancestors as she steers the skiff headed to her next trap. High school student Caleb Hardie said its difficult to complete the required 1,000 hours in the training program before the age of 18, while balancing school and community activities. Online Licensing System (LEEDS) The Maine Department of Marine Resources' online licensing and landings system, called LEEDS (Licensing Enforcement and Environmental Data System) is now available. Until we know the outcome of these discussions it is very difficult to pass legislation that would increase lobster fishing effort, McDonald said. By his calculations he'll be nearly 80 years old or dead by the time his wait is over. Visit /dmr/fisheries/commercial/licenses and download and print license applications. May 28, 2012 at 5:43 PM PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Scott Beede is one of 302 people on the waiting list for a Maine lobster license. Make sure your tags are ordered correctly. Some years, nobody comes off the list, Masterson said. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. If you are applying to obtain a northeast multi-species permit, and you will have that permit during the 2021 season, you will need to provide DMR Licensing staff with the documentation showing you have applied to obtain that permit, and YOU MUST contact DMR before your tags are issued. Fishermen are already burdened by low prices for their catches they averaged $3.19 per pound last year, essentially the same price they got in 2001 and high prices they have to pay for fuel, bait and gear. Lobsterman Steve Taylor of Kittery, the chairman of Maines southernmost lobster zone council, said his area could probably absorb the 18 apprentices who would be eligible for a license in 2019 under McCreights plan if they were evenly distributed throughout the zone, which runs from Kittery up to Cape Elizabeth. If you are interested, please contact Business Editor Patrick Gabrion at 504-8243 or email [emailprotected] Thank you. News Tips: (800) 280-TIPS Another member of the marine resources committee, Democratic Rep. Genevieve McDonald, said concern over possible changes in lobster fishing rules make it difficult to let new fishermen onto the water. He wont weigh in on the bill until he sees it, but if the newcomers were to settle in one or two harbors, all hell would break loose, Taylor said. If you are renewing your lobster license with the same vessel as last year, and there has been a change on that vessel, your tags will be ordered exactly as they were the year before. Horner, Mastersons longtime business partner and former stepfather, advocates for a measured approach. In most zones, that means long waits before the apprentice can start hauling his or her own traps. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. // True Life Shane And Liza, Articles M